The red-leaved blood plum offers an unforgettable pleasure at first glance. Dark red, round fruits appear in all their glory in September. They reach a diameter of up to 5 centimeters.
Are the fruits of the blood plum edible and he althy?
The blood plum (Prunus cerasifera) is an attractive ornamental tree that produces dark red, round or oval fruits in autumn. Their taste is reminiscent of a mixture of mirabelle plums and plums, and the fruits contain valuable ingredients such as vitamins, trace elements, fruit acids, minerals, sugar and pectins.
Interesting facts
Depending on the variety, the small stone fruits present a multifaceted picture. They are usually round to oval. Only with the Hollywood variety can you harvest elongated, cherry-red fruits. It has complemented Central Europe's fruity offerings since the beginning of the 20th century. To date, the easy-care Prunus cerasifera has established itself as an important ornamental tree in home gardens, heaths or parks. The delicate branches of the shrub or standard trunk prove to be decorative spring decorations.
Many people avoid eating the fruit because it is incorrectly classified as poisonous in many places. The kernels are not suitable for consumption. However, the opposite is true when it comes to the valuable pulp. Its taste is reminiscent of a mixture of delicate mirabelle plums and plums. It enriches the autumn fruit selection with its juicy consistency.
These plums are very popular with children in muesli or on a fruit plate. Even small bushes produce a remarkable number of fruits. Depending on the variety of blood plum, there are minimal differences in taste, consistency and ripening time.
Ingredients
The fruits are considered valuable food without exception.
They contain:
- important vitamins
- Trace elements
- Fruit acids
- Minerals
- Sugar
- Pectins
In addition, the dark versions of the blood plum contain a high proportion of dyes with antioxidant effects. Prunus cerasifera is rightly considered one of the classic medicinal plants. In Bach flower therapy according to Edward Bach, the plant essence of the blood plum is used. In this way, patients find their way back to serenity and relaxation.
Tips & Tricks
You can enjoy these fruits all year round as delicious jam, puree or plum stone liqueur.
