The History of Plums

Plums were first eaten in China and Japan roughly 2,500 years ago. Approximately 500 years after that, they made their way onto plates in Eastern Europe. Alexander the Great is credited with introducing plums to ancient Greece, and Pliny the Elder, a Roman scholar, later wrote about plums during the first century. According to the University of Connecticut, several dozen varieties of plums are indigenous to North America and early Native Americans used them in many different capacities. Today, there are over 40 varieties of plums that grow around the world. The largest U.S. producer of the stone fruit is California. The word “plum” itself comes from the Old English name, “plume.” It was shortened to the modern “plum” around 1780. Some varieties of plums that are good for drying are turned into prunes. (All prunes are plums, but not all plums make good prunes.) Today, plums are enjoyed widely throughout many parts of the world.