Chinese Plums: A Guide to Rediscovering Authentic Flavour

For many, the Chinese plum is more than just a simple treat. It's a childhood memory, a comforting flavour that brings back moments spent with loved ones. For others, it's a gateway to the rich and diverse world of Asian snacks. Whether you're looking to recapture a familiar taste or you're a curious foodie, navigating the dozens of varieties available can quickly become overwhelming.

This guide is here to help. Our mission: to give you clear information and practical advice for finding that perfect plum, all without the marketing fluff.

How to Choose the Right Chinese Plum??

Before we get to our top picks, let's review the key criteria for finding the dried Chinese plum that's right for you.

1. Decoding the Flavours

The candied Asian plum offers a surprising range of tastes. Here are the most common ones:

• Honey Plum?: A timeless classic. The honey adds a floral sweetness that balances the fruit's natural tartness. A safe bet for those who appreciate tradition.
• Milk Plum?: A more adventurous option, this version combines the plum's tanginess with creamy, milky notes. The result is a unique plum candy that is both sweet and tart, with a flavour that lingers.
• Salty or Spicy Flavours?: For adventurous palates, some varieties incorporate salt, liquorice, or other spices. The goal is to create a more complex experience by playing on the famous sweet-and-savoury contrast.

2. Choosing the Right Packaging

Packaging is a practical consideration that shouldn't be overlooked:

• Individual Packets?: Perfect for on-the-go snacking. Hygienic and easy to slip into a bag, they also help with portion control.
• Resealable Bags?: Ideal for home use, they preserve the plums' freshness after the package has been opened.
• Buckets or Large Formats?: The ultimate sharing option, an assortment of plums in a bucket is perfect for sharing with family, friends, or colleagues. It's also a great way to discover several varieties at once.

3. Reading the Labels

Taking a look at the ingredients list is always a good idea. You'll typically find plums (often green plums), sugar, and salt. Some products may contain additives like sweeteners or preservatives. For example, the presence of aspartame (E951) is always indicated, as it contains phenylalanine—crucial information for individuals with phenylketonuria.

Our Top Chinese Plum Picks

Time for the verdict! Here are three products that stood out, each with a unique profile to satisfy every craving.

1. The Unconventional Pick: Lai Yifen Fresh Milk Flavour Plum (108g)

Why we love it?: This plum from Lai Yifen goes off the beaten path with its bold combination. The marriage of fresh milk aroma and the tartness of candied plum creates a one-of-a-kind flavour.

• Highlights?:

  • An original taste that blends milky sweetness with a fruity tang.
  • Thick, chewy flesh made from high-quality green plums.
  • Packaged in a 108g bag with individual wrappers, making it extremely convenient for travel.

• Who is it for?

  • For the curious who are already familiar with classic versions and want to try something new. A modern Chinese snack that puts a twist on tradition.

2. The Authentic Choice: Jiajianchengchu Honey Plum (200g)

Why we love it?: With its honey plum, Jiajianchengchu focuses on tradition. It delivers the authentic flavour many are searching for, with a perfect balance of sweet, tart, and a hint of salt.

• Highlights?:

  • A classic and comforting flavour, sweetened with real honey.
  • A firm texture that gradually releases its aromas as you chew.
  • A 200g size that's ideal for regular snacking.

• Who is it for?

  • For purists and those nostalgic for the famous "Lao Po Mei" (wife's plum). A reliable choice for rediscovering the unmistakable taste of candied Asian plum.

3. The Generous Pack: Be&Cheery Assorted Plum Bucket (500g)

Why we love it?: Why choose when you can try them all? The "King Plum" bucket from Be&Cheery is the perfect solution for the indecisive and the very curious. It contains an assortment of plums featuring five different varieties.

• Highlights?:

  • Five flavours to explore: snow plum, yangmei (Chinese bayberry), Suzhou-style plum, green plum, and prune.
  • A generous 500g size (approximately 70 individual packets), perfect for sharing.
  • The opportunity to discover a wide range of tastes, from the sweetest to the most tart.

• Who is it for?

  • Ideal for families, flatmates, or for sharing at the office and with friends. It's also the perfect option for beginners who want to find their favourite flavour.

Craving Other Treats??

The Chinese plum is just a taste of the rich world of Asian sweets. To explore other original snacks and desserts perfect for sharing, check out our selection.

? Discover our collection of shareable desserts and snacks

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. How should I store dried Chinese plums? Store them in a cool, dry place, away from light and moisture. Once the bag is opened, seal it tightly or transfer the plums to an airtight container to preserve their full flavour and chewiness.

2. What's the difference between a Chinese plum and a prune? Although they are both dried plums, they are worlds apart! The difference lies in the fruit variety, preparation, and taste. A prune (often from a d'Ente plum) is simply dried with no added sugar, giving it a very sweet taste and a soft, melt-in-your-mouth texture. The dried Chinese plum, on the other hand, is made from green plums that are candied in a syrup (sugar, salt, flavourings). This is what gives it its distinctive sweet, sour, and salty taste, and a firmer, chewier texture.

3. Are Chinese plums very sweet? It all depends on the recipe! A honey plum will naturally be sweeter than a plain green plum. Some salty or liquorice-flavoured versions are even surprisingly low in sugar. The easiest way to know is to check the product description, where the flavour profile (sweet, tart, etc.) is usually well-described.