If you are watching your calorie intake, you may be wondering whether using 1 tablespoon of plum sauce is worth it. The answer is yes! 1 Tbsp Plum Sauce contains just 35 calories making it a great low-calorie option to add flavor to your meals.

Plum sauce is a versatile condiment, used in both sweet and savory dishes. The sauce is made from Chinese plums, vinegar, sugar, ginger, and spices. The sauce has a sweet and tangy flavor that can enhance the taste of any dish.

In this article, we'll explore everything you need to know about plum sauce, including its ingredients, nutritional facts, health benefits, and its different uses in cooking.

What is Plum Sauce?

Plum sauce is a condiment that originates from Chinese cuisine. It is made from Chinese plums, sugar, vinegar, ginger, and spices. The sauce has a sweet and tangy flavor that is often used as a dip or marinade for meats. Plum sauce is a highly versatile condiment, and it can be used in several dishes like stir-fry, roasted meat, spring rolls, egg rolls, and as a dipping sauce for fried foods. In Chinese cuisine, the sauce is commonly used with Peking duck or dumplings. However, in Western cuisine, it is often used to add a sweet and tangy flavor to barbeque sauces and marinades.

Ingredients of Plum Sauce

The primary ingredients of plum sauce are Chinese plums, vinegar, sugar, ginger, and spices. The quantity of each ingredient used in the sauce may vary depending on the recipe used. Chinese plums are the main ingredient, which gives the sauce its distinct flavor. Vinegar is added to provide a slightly sour taste, while sugar balances the sweetness. Ginger and spices are added to give the sauce a slightly spicy flavor. Some recipes may use additional ingredients like garlic, chili peppers, and soy sauce to enhance the flavor of the sauce further.

Nutritional Facts of Plum Sauce

1 Tbsp Plum Sauce contains 35 calories, 0.3g of fat, 0.1g of protein, and 8.5g of carbohydrates. The sauce is also rich in vitamins and minerals like vitamin C, calcium, and iron. However, plum sauce is high in sugar, with 7g of sugar per tablespoon, so it should be used in moderation. Some brands of plum sauce may also contain added preservatives and food colorings, so it is essential to read the label before buying.

Health Benefits of Plum Sauce

Plum sauce is a good source of antioxidants, which can protect the cells in your body from damage. The sauce also contains vitamin C, which supports your immune system and helps your body absorb iron from plant-based foods. The ginger and spices used in the sauce may also have anti-inflammatory properties, which can help reduce inflammation in the body. However, as plum sauce is high in sugar, it should be consumed in moderation. Excessive sugar consumption can lead to weight gain, increased risk of type 2 diabetes, and other health problems.

How to Use Plum Sauce in Cooking

Plum sauce is a versatile condiment that can be used in several ways in cooking. Here are some ideas: 1. As a dip for egg rolls, spring rolls, or chicken nuggets. 2. As a marinade for pork, chicken, or beef. Mix the sauce with soy sauce, garlic, and some spices, and marinate the meat for a few hours before grilling or roasting.

Different Varieties of Plum Sauce

Plum sauce is available in various varieties, with different flavors and ingredients. Some of the popular varieties of plum sauce include: 1. Sweet Plum Sauce: This variety is made with more sugar, giving it a sweeter taste. It is often served as a dipping sauce for fried foods. 2. Spicy Plum Sauce: This variety contains more ginger and spices, giving it a spicy flavor. It is commonly used as a marinade for grilled meats or in stir-fry dishes.

Alternative Uses of Plum Sauce

Plum sauce is not just limited to culinary uses. Here are some alternative uses of plum sauce: 1. As a glaze for baked goods: Mix the sauce with some honey or brown sugar, and brush the mixture over pastries, cakes, or cookies before baking. 2. As a dipping sauce for fresh fruit: Mix the sauce with some yogurt or cream cheese and serve it alongside fresh fruit like apples, grapes, or strawberries.

Where to Buy Plum Sauce

Plum sauce is widely available in grocery stores and online retailers. It is often found in the international foods section or the Asian foods section of the store. You can also make your own plum sauce at home using fresh plums and other ingredients. Several recipes for homemade plum sauces are available online.

History of Plum Sauce

Plum sauce has a long history, dating back to ancient China. The sauce was originally made with Chinese plums, which were fermented with vinegar and other ingredients to create a sour condiment that was used to enhance the flavors of meats and other dishes. Over the years, the recipe for plum sauce has evolved, with sugar and ginger added to balance the sour taste of the plums. Today, plum sauce is a popular condiment used in both Chinese and Western cuisine.

Plum Sauce vs Other Sauces

Plum sauce is often compared to other sauces, especially sweet and sour sauce and hoisin sauce. Here are some key differences between these sauces: 1. Sweet and Sour Sauce: This sauce is made from sugar, vinegar, and other ingredients like ketchup and soy sauce. It has a sweet and tangy flavor, but it is often sweeter than plum sauce. 2. Hoisin Sauce: This sauce is made from soybeans, garlic, sugar, and vinegar. It has a sweet and salty taste and is often used as a dipping sauce for spring rolls or as a glaze for roasted meats. It has a thicker consistency than plum sauce.