Chinese Plums: A Guide to Choosing the Perfect One

Whether you're chasing the comforting flavours of your childhood or are simply curious about the treasures of Asian cuisine, the Chinese plum is a beloved classic. But between sweet, salted, or sweet-and-sour varieties, it's easy to get lost.

Our mission with this guide? To help you see things more clearly and find the preserved plum that will satisfy all your cravings, whether for a gourmet break at the office, an appetizer that stands out, or just for the joy of discovery.

How to Choose the Ideal Chinese Plum?

Before diving into our selection, let's review a few key criteria to help you make the right choice.

1. Flavour Profile: Sweet, Salty, or Sweet and Sour?

The Chinese plum comes in a myriad of flavours. Its taste varies dramatically depending on the recipe:

• The Candied Version: The sweetest of all, it is macerated in a sugar syrup to soften its natural acidity. This is the perfect introduction for newcomers.
• The Salted Version: Enhanced with salt and sometimes liquorice, it reveals a more complex, almost umami flavour. A treat for discerning palates.
• The Sweet and Sour Version: The perfect balance, where the sugar, salt, and acidity of the fruit harmonize for an explosion of flavour.

2. Texture: Crisp, Soft, or "QQ"?

The mouthfeel is just as crucial as the taste. The green plum, for example, is known for its firm, crisp texture. Other recipes favour a softer, melt-in-your-mouth flesh. Finally, some innovations focus on a "QQ" texture, a very popular term in Asia that describes a consistency that is both chewy and springy, somewhere between a gummy candy and mochi.

3. Format: For the Office or For Sharing?

The ideal packaging will depend on how you plan to enjoy them. Individual packets slip easily into any bag, perfect for a break at the office or in a lunch box. Family-sized formats, like buckets, are designed for get-togethers with friends or moments of sharing. And for hassle-free snacking, nothing beats a pitted plum.

Our Selection of Chinese Plums

Here are the products that caught our editorial team's attention, each with its own unique qualities, to help you find the perfect Chinese snack for you.

Liu Liu Prune Original Green Plum 160g

• Why it stands out: This is the quintessential traditional green plum. With a fruit content of ≥90%, the Liuliumei brand makes a point of preserving the authentic taste of the fruit, lightly seasoned to achieve a perfectly mastered sweet-and-sour balance.

• Highlights:

  • Authentic and refreshing taste.
  • Crisp texture and thick flesh.
  • Ultra-convenient individual packets for on-the-go.

• Who is it for?: For purists in search of the original green plum flavour, as well as for those who want to start with a reliable choice.

View Product

Be&Cheery King Plum Bucket 500g

• Why it stands out: Overwhelmed by choice? Be&Cheery has the solution with this generous bucket that brings together an assortment of five varieties of preserved plums, including snow plum, Suzhou plum, and green plum.

• Highlights:

  • An assortment of flavours so you'll never get bored.
  • Generous 500g format, perfect for parties or sharing.
  • Ideal for exploring the full flavour spectrum of the Chinese plum.

• Who is it for?: For the indecisive, curious foodies eager for discovery, and anyone who loves to share.

View Product

Liu Liu Prune Shanghai Yellow Peach QQ Prune 80g

• Why it stands out: Liuliumei thinks outside the box with this bold recipe: the green plum is paired with Shanghai yellow peach juice, all with a unique "QQ" texture that is both tender and chewy.

• Highlights:

  • Original and fruity flavour combination (plum and peach).
  • Surprising and fun QQ texture.
  • Individual packets for perfect freshness and hygiene.

• Who is it for?: For those who love surprising textures and fruity flavours, and who are looking for an Asian snack that's out of the ordinary.

View Product

Lai Yifen Enzyme Prunes Without Core 52g

• Why it stands out: This one is all about convenience. These plums are pitted, making them incredibly easy to enjoy anywhere, without getting your fingers sticky or worrying about the stone.

• Highlights:

  • Pitted: the ultimate in convenience.
  • Naturally soft and tender texture.
  • On-the-go 52g format, easy to slip into a bag.

• Who is it for?: For fans of "zero-hassle" snacking: perfect for kids, quick breaks at the office, or for a bite while on the move.

View Product

Want to Explore Other Flavours?

If the Chinese plum is just the first step on your culinary journey, feel free to browse our wide selection of Asian delicacies. You're sure to find something to satisfy your curiosity.

Discover our simple and affordable desserts

Frequently Asked Questions about Chinese Plums

What is a Chinese plum?

The term "Chinese plum" refers to a family of plums (most often the Prunus mume variety) preserved by candying, salting, or drying. It's a traditional, very popular Chinese snack, renowned for its complex flavours.

How should I store preserved plums?

Store them in a cool, dry place, away from light. Once the main package is opened, it's best to consume them relatively quickly to fully enjoy their texture and taste. This is the great advantage of individual packets, which preserve the freshness of each plum.

Is the Chinese plum always very salty?

Not at all! While the salted version is well-known, it is far from the only one. The candied plum is all about sweetness, while the sweet and sour version strikes the perfect balance between the two. The easiest way is to read each product's description carefully to understand its flavour profile.

We hope this guide has helped you navigate the flavourful world of the Chinese plum.

Happy snacking!

Joybuy, Your Product Expert