1 serving of plumcots contains around 76 calories. Plumcots, also known as pluots, are a hybrid between plums and apricots. They can be consumed as a snack, in salads, or in various recipes. They are known for their sweet and juicy flavor, making them a popular choice during the summer months.

Apart from being delicious, plumcots are also loaded with nutrients. They are high in vitamins A and C, potassium, and fiber. Plumcots are also a good source of antioxidants, which help fight inflammation and reduce the risk of chronic diseases such as cancer and heart disease.

In this article, we'll explore the history of plumcots, their nutritional value, health benefits, and ways to incorporate them into your diet.

What are Plumcots?

Plumcots are a type of stone fruit that is a hybrid between plums and apricots. They were first created by Floyd Zaiger in the late 20th century by crossing various plum and apricot varieties. Plumcots have a smooth exterior and can range in color from pinkish-red to yellow-orange. Their flesh is juicy and sweet, with a balanced flavor that combines the best of both fruits. Plumcots are similar to pluots, which are another type of plum-apricot hybrid. However, plumcots have a higher percentage of plum genes, whereas pluots have a higher percentage of apricot genes.

The History of Plumcots

Plumcots were first created in the late 20th century by Floyd Zaiger, a fruit geneticist based in California. Zaiger crossed various plum and apricot varieties to create a fruit that had the best qualities of both. Since then, many different varieties of plumcots have been developed and they are now grown and sold around the world. Zaiger also created pluots, which are another type of plum-apricot hybrid. Pluots have a higher percentage of apricot genes than plumcots and are known for their extremely sweet and juicy flesh.

How are Plumcots Different from Plums and Apricots?

Plumcots are a hybrid between plums and apricots and share characteristics of both fruits. They are usually slightly larger than plums and have a smooth exterior, whereas plums have a slightly fuzzy exterior. Plumcots also have a firm texture and a balanced flavor that combines the sweetness of apricots with the tartness of plums. Compared to apricots, plumcots are usually larger and have a smoother exterior. They also have a sweeter flavor that is more balanced than the intense sweetness of apricots.

Plumcots and their Nutritional Value

Plumcots are a great source of vitamins A and C, potassium, and dietary fiber. One serving of plumcots (about 2 fruits) contains around 76 calories, 1 gram of protein, and 18 grams of carbohydrates. They are also a good source of antioxidants, which help protect your cells from damage caused by free radicals. Plumcots are also high in phytonutrients, which are plant compounds that have been linked to various health benefits. These include chlorogenic acid, which has been shown to help regulate blood sugar levels, and quercetin, which has anti-inflammatory and anti-cancer properties.

The Health Benefits of Plumcots

Plumcots are a nutritious fruit that offer a range of health benefits. They are high in fiber, which can help improve digestive health and keep you feeling full for longer. Plumcots are also a good source of potassium, which can help regulate blood pressure and reduce the risk of stroke. Plumcots are also loaded with antioxidants, which help protect your cells from damage caused by free radicals. This can help reduce the risk of chronic diseases such as cancer and heart disease. Additionally, the phytonutrients in plumcots have been shown to have anti-inflammatory and anti-cancer properties.

How to Incorporate Plumcots in Your Diet

Plumcots are a versatile fruit that can be incorporated into a range of dishes. They can be eaten raw as a snack, sliced and added to salads, or cooked and used in recipes. Here are a few ideas for incorporating plumcots into your diet:

• Slice them up and add them to your morning oatmeal or yogurt.
• Add them to a fruit salad for a pop of color and flavor.
• Roast them with a drizzle of honey and a sprinkle of cinnamon for a delicious dessert.
• Make a plumcot salsa by combining diced plumcots, red onion, cilantro, lime juice, and jalapeno.

How to Select and Store Plumcots

When selecting plumcots, look for fruit that is plump, fragrant, and slightly soft to the touch. Avoid fruit that is too hard or too soft, as it may be unripe or overripe. Plumcots can be stored at room temperature for a day or two or in the refrigerator for up to a week. If your plumcots are not quite ripe, you can speed up the ripening process by placing them in a paper bag with a ripe banana or apple. The ethylene gas produced by the other fruit will help ripen the plumcots more quickly.

Potential Side Effects of Consuming Plumcots

Plumcots are generally safe for consumption and do not have any known side effects. However, some people may be allergic to plums or apricots, which are the parent fruits of plumcots. If you experience any symptoms such as itching, swelling, or difficulty breathing after consuming plumcots, discontinue use and consult your doctor.

Plumcots and Weight Loss

Plumcots can be a great addition to a weight loss diet as they are low in calories and high in fiber. The fiber in plumcots can help you feel full for longer, which can reduce your overall calorie intake. Additionally, the vitamins and minerals in plumcots can help support overall health and wellness while you are losing weight.

Plumcots as a Source of Antioxidants

Plumcots are a great source of antioxidants, which can help protect your cells from damage caused by free radicals. Free radicals are unstable molecules that can cause oxidative stress and damage to your cells. This damage has been linked to a range of chronic diseases such as cancer and heart disease. Consuming antioxidants through fruits and vegetables like plumcots can help reduce the risk of these diseases.