Plum Powder Uses

Plum powder is made from dried plums that have been ground into a fine powder.

This powdered form makes it easy to add the nutrients and flavor of plums to a variety of foods and beverages.

Plum powder is growing in popularity due to its many culinary applications and health benefits.

Table of Contents

What Is Plum Powder

Plum powder is made by drying whole plums or prune juice concentrate and then grinding them into a powder. The powder has a slightly sweet and tart flavor that can enhance both sweet and savory recipes. Some of the key benefits of plum powder include:

Nutrient-dense: Plums are packed with nutrients like vitamin K, vitamin C, potassium, and copper. The drying and powdering process helps concentrate these nutrients.
Fiber: Plums are a good source of fiber, which can help regulate digestion. The fiber is retained in plum powder.
Antioxidants: Plums contain polyphenol antioxidants that can help reduce inflammation and oxidative stress. These beneficial compounds are still present in plum powder.
Versatile: The flavor and nutrition of plums can easily be added to foods and drinks with plum powder. It blends easily into liquids and batters.
Long shelf life: Dried and powdered plums keep longer than fresh plums, giving you more time to use them. Properly stored, plum powder will last about 12 months.

With a sweet-tart taste and stellar nutritional profile, plum powder is a pantry staple that can enhance both sweet and savory dishes. Keep reading to learn about the many versatile ways plum powder can be used.

Culinary Uses for Plum Powder

Plum powder is very versatile in the kitchen. Its mild flavor blends well into sweet and savory dishes without overpowering them. Here are some of the most popular ways plum powder is used:

Baking

Plum powder works beautifully in baked goods. It can add moisture, fiber, and nutrients while also boosting flavor. Some examples include:

Muffins and quick breads: Replace up to 25% of the flour in muffin or quick bread recipes with plum powder. This adds nutrients without significantly changing the texture.
Cookies: Add 2-3 tablespoons of plum powder per batch of cookies. The powder retains moisture to keep cookies soft.
Cakes: For every cup of flour in a cake recipe, you can replace up to 1/4 cup with plum powder. This enhances moisture and flavor.
Fruit tarts: Lightly dust the filled tart shells with plum powder before baking for a pretty finish.
Streusel topping: Mix plum powder into streusel toppings for muffins, pies, and more.

Smoothies and Drinks

Mixing plum powder into smoothies and drinks is an easy way to add nutrients. The mild flavor blends seamlessly into many liquids. Ways to use plum powder in drinks:

Smoothies: Add 1-2 teaspoons of powder per smoothie. It dissolves easily and provides potassium.
Juices: Stir in plum powder to add fiber and sweetness to green juices and vegetable juices.
Lattes: Mix the powder into coffee drinks like lattes for natural sweetness.
Hot cocoa: Whisk a teaspoon of powder into each mug of cocoa for flavor.
Homemade sports drinks: Plum powder adds potassium and carbohydrates.
Cocktail rims: Mix with sugar and rim cocktail glasses for a tangy twist.

Key Takeaway: Plum powder blends seamlessly into smoothies, juices, coffee drinks, sports beverages, and cocktails.

Savory Dishes

In addition to sweet foods, plum powder can also add flavor dimension to savory dishes. It pairs especially well with pork, poultry, and fish. Ways to use it in main and side dishes:

Salad dressings: Whisk plum powder into vinaigrettes and salad dressings. It provides flavor and helps emulsify.
Marinades: The sweet-tart taste complements meats like chicken, pork, salmon, and duck. Add to wet marinades.
Roast chicken and pork: Rub plum powder directly onto meats before roasting for caramelized flavor.
Sauces: Mix into savory sauces like duck, pizza, pasta, or barbecue sauce for complexity.
Glazes: Dissolve plum powder into the liquid when making glazes for meat, poultry, or vegetables.
Roasted veggies: Toss veggies with oil, salt, and plum powder before roasting. It enhances natural sweetness.
Rice: Stir plum powder into rice pilaf or risotto for a flavor boost.

The sweet-tart taste and concentrated nutrition make plum powder an excellent addition to savory cooking. It pairs especially well with rich meats and roasted vegetables.

Desserts and Sweets

From ice cream to candy, plum powder is ideal for enhancing desserts. Its natural sweet-tart taste complements other flavors. Dessert applications include:

Puddings and custards: Whisk a teaspoon or two of powder into the dairy mixture, heating gently to dissolve.
Yogurt: Mix into sweetened or plain yogurt for a nutrient boost and natural sweetness.
Ice creams and sorbets: Blend into ice cream bases or stir into finished ice creams. Also works in fruit-based sorbets.
Jams: Add plum powder to jams when cooking to intensify the fruit flavor. Works well in plum jam.
Candy: Mix into candy fillings or coat finished candies in plum powder for tartness.
Fruit snacks: Sprinkle powder over fresh sliced fruit or dried fruit like mango for added flavor.

With its concentrated fruit flavor, plum powder is a simple way to make desserts tastier and healthier. Kids and adults alike will love the sweetness it adds.

Seasonings and Condiments

A dash of plum powder also makes an excellent seasoning or condiment to finish dishes. Ways to use it:

Popcorn or nuts: Sprinkle over popcorn or roasted nuts for sweet-tart flavor.
Oatmeal or yogurt bowls: Dust oatmeal, chia pudding, or yogurt bowls with powder.
Deviled eggs: Mix into the egg yolk filling for deviled eggs.
Potato chips: Shake plum powder over chips instead of salt for taste and nutrients.
Salad topping: Sprinkle over green, pasta, grain, or fruit salads.
French fries: Shake over fries instead of ketchup for a flavor change.
Crepes and pancakes: Dust finished crepes or pancakes with powdered sugar and plum powder.

With just a light sprinkling, plum powder can transform the flavor of snacks, breakfasts, salads and more as a finishing touch. Get creative with this versatile seasoning!

Health Benefits of Plum Powder

In addition to contributing flavor and nutrition, studies show plum powder has some specific health benefits:

Aids digestion: The fiber in plum powder can relieve constipation by adding bulk to stool and promoting regularity. It may also relieve diarrhea by firming up stool.
Supports heart health: Animal studies show plum powder can reduce cholesterol and triglyceride levels, which may protect heart health.
Boosts immunity: The vitamin C and antioxidants in plum powder support immune function and help neutralize damaging free radicals.
Builds strong bones: Plums provide boron and potassium, which can prevent bone loss and osteoporosis. The powder concentrates these minerals.
Promotes skin health: Vitamin C is required for collagen production and skin repair. The concentrated vitamin C in plum powder benefits skin.

Sprinkling just 1-2 teaspoons of plum powder into foods and drinks each day is an easy way to boost your nutrient intake and take advantage of the wellness benefits.

Key Takeaway: Regularly using plum powder provides important nutrients that support digestion, heart health, immunity, bones, and skin.

Selecting a Quality Plum Powder

When shopping for plum powder, check the ingredient list and look for:

100% plum as the only ingredient. Avoid added sugars, preservatives, or fillers.
Made from whole plums, not just extracted juice. This retains the most nutrients.
No added colorings. Natural plum powder has a tan/brown hue.
Packaged to protect from heat, light, and air. A sealed, opaque container is ideal.
Refrigerate after opening to extend freshness and nutrient retention.
Ideally organic or produced from non-GMO plums. This avoids pesticide residues.

Choosing a high-quality powder made purely from whole plums ensures you get the most nutritional benefit from each teaspoon.

FAQs

How does plum powder taste?

Plum powder has a sweet, mildly tart taste that is reminiscent of dried plums or prunes. It provides a subtle fruit flavor that isn’t overwhelmingly strong. The taste works well in both sweet and savory applications. Some describe it as similar to molasses or evaporated cane juice with a bit of tanginess.

What is the best way to store plum powder?

To retain freshness and nutrient content, store plum powder in an airtight container in the refrigerator or freezer. Properly stored, it will keep for about 12 months. Avoid storing it in hot, humid areas as moisture can cause clumping. Bring to room temperature before use.

How do you use plum powder in recipes?

In baked goods, you can replace up to 25% of the flour with plum powder or use 2-3 tablespoons per batch. For smoothies, mix in 1-2 teaspoons per serving. Lightly sprinkle it on meats before cooking, add it to salad dressings, or blend it into sauces. Always taste and adjust recipes accordingly. Start with less and add more plum powder as needed.

What does plum powder taste good with?

The sweet-tart flavor of plum powder complements both sweet and savory foods. It works well blended into pork, chicken, fish, and duck dishes. It’s great in salad dressings, barbecue sauce, and pasta sauce. For sweets, use it in muffins, cookies, cakes, custards, yogurt, and ice cream. It also adds flavor when sprinkled onto fresh fruit.

Is plum powder gluten-free?

Yes, plum powder is naturally gluten-free since it contains no wheat, barley, rye, or grains. Be sure to select brands that are 100% plum with no questionable additives. Always check the label to confirm gluten-free status.

Conclusion

With its concentrated nutrition and diverse culinary applications, plum powder is a handy kitchen staple.

Just a spoonful can add antioxidants, potassium, fiber, and more to your diet while also enhancing the flavor of both sweet and savory recipes.

Mix it into smoothies, sprinkle onto meats, or add it to salad dressings, sauces, baked goods, yogurt, ice cream, and more.

Select a high-quality powder and store properly to enjoy all the benefits plum powder has to offer.