All About Plums
Your complete guide to plums - discover how to store it properly, identify when it's gone bad, and find the best substitutes for your recipes.
How Long Does Plums Last?
Storage times and freshness tips for plums in different conditions.
Safety first: This guide provides general information. When in doubt, throw it out! Trust your senses and err on the side of caution. If something smells, looks, or tastes off, don't consume it.
Ripe in Refrigerator3-7 days
Signs of Spoilage
Soft, mushy texture, sticky or slimy residue on the skin, mold growth, fermented or sour smell, significant discoloration (darkening or browning).
How to Check
Visually inspect for any mold, shriveled skin, or sticky film. Gently touch the plum; it should be firm but yield slightly to pressure. If it feels excessively soft, mushy, or slimy, it's likely spoiled. A sweet, fruity aroma is good; any sour, yeasty, or unpleasant smell means it's past its prime.
Storage Tips
Store unwashed plums in a perforated plastic bag or an open container in the crisper drawer of your refrigerator. Washing plums before storage can introduce moisture, which encourages mold growth. Wash them just before consumption. Ensure good air circulation to prevent moisture buildup.
Unripe at Room Temperature2-4 days (to ripen), then 1-2 days (once ripe)
Signs of Spoilage
Excessive softness, mushy spots, shriveling, mold growth, fermented or sour smell.
How to Check
Look for any visible mold (fuzzy white, green, or black patches) or significant bruising. Touch the plum; it should feel firm. If it's overly soft or mushy, it's likely overripe or spoiled. Smell for a sweet, fruity aroma when ripe; a sour, alcoholic, or off-putting smell indicates spoilage.
Storage Tips
Store in a single layer on the counter, away from direct sunlight. Placing them in a paper bag can accelerate ripening. Avoid storing next to fruits that produce high levels of ethylene gas (like bananas) unless you want to speed up ripening considerably. Once ripe, move to the refrigerator to extend freshness.
Frozen (Whole or Sliced)6-12 months
Signs of Spoilage
Severe freezer burn (large, dry, discolored patches), off-flavors (after thawing), strong unpleasant smell upon thawing.
How to Check
Visually inspect for excessive ice crystals or large areas of dull, dry, discolored skin, which indicate freezer burn and can affect quality. Upon thawing, the texture will be softer than fresh, but it should not be completely mushy or slimy. Smell the thawed plums; they should still have a fruity aroma. Any sour or off-putting smell means they are spoiled.
Storage Tips
To freeze, wash and dry plums thoroughly. You can freeze them whole, halved, or sliced. For best results, pit them. Arrange individual pieces on a baking sheet and freeze until solid (this prevents clumping). Then transfer to airtight freezer bags or containers, removing as much air as possible to prevent freezer burn. Label with the date. Thawed plums are best for cooked applications as their texture changes significantly.