Buying Chinese Plums: Recommendations for Delicious Snacking

Craving that unique sweet and sour flavour of Chinese plums? Whether you're reminiscing about tastes from the past or an adventurous foodie eager to try new Asian snacks, the selection can be overwhelming. The variations are endless: from sweet and soft to intensely sour and firm.

As a Joybuy Product Recommendation Officer, I'm here to help you navigate the world of preserved plums. In this article, I'll share a selection of popular choices and provide practical tips, so you can find the perfect match for your palate.

What to Look for When Choosing Chinese Plums

Before you make a choice, it's helpful to know what types are available. Pay attention to the following three points to find the right snack plums for you.

1. Determine Your Preferred Flavour Profile

Chinese plums are known for their complex flavours. The balance between sweet, sour, and sometimes salty defines the entire experience.

• Sweet and Mild: Ideal for beginners or if you enjoy a subtle fruit flavour. These often most resemble traditional dried plums.
• Sweet and Sour: The classic combination. Perfect if you love a burst of flavour that isn't too extreme. This is a popular profile for plum candy.
• Intensely Sour: For those who love a distinct, zesty taste. These sour plums will make your taste buds tingle.

2. Choose the Right Texture

The texture ranges from soft and fleshy to dry and firm. Some plums are pitted for extra convenience, while others still contain the pit, which enthusiasts claim enhances the flavour. Green plums often have a firmer bite than the darker, more dried varieties.

3. Consider the Packaging

How do you plan to eat the plums?

• Individual Packs: Convenient for on-the-go, in your lunchbox, or for sharing.
• Large Jars or Buckets: A great choice if you've found a favourite and want to stock up. Often more cost-effective and ideal for sharing with family and friends.
• Resealable Bottles: Easy to carry and seal, keeping the plums fresh.

Popular Chinese Plum Choices

Below is a selection of products representing different tastes and preferences.

LYFEN California Prunes 108g

Why It Stands Out: These plums combine the quality of Californian prunes with a classic Asian flavour profile. They are soft, fleshy, and have a balanced sweet-and-sour taste with a sweet aftertaste.

Pros:

• Made with prunes from California, known for their thick flesh.
• Pitted, making them easy and safe to eat for all ages.
• Individually wrapped, ideal for on-the-go or as an office snack.
• A mild, accessible flavour that appeals to many.

Who Is It For? Perfect for those trying Chinese snacks for the first time or who prefer a soft, sweet plum without the intense sour kick. Also a great option for lunch boxes.

Jia Jian Cheng Chu Enjoy Bottle Wonderful Sour Plum 210g

Why It Stands Out: The name says it all: these are sour plums for the true enthusiast. The intense sour flavour is balanced by a sweet undertone, creating a powerful flavour experience.

Pros:

• A distinct sour and sweet taste that tantalises.
• Packaged in a convenient, resealable bottle.
• Ideal for a quick, intense flavour boost throughout the day.

Who Is It For? For the adventurous snacker who isn't afraid of an intense, sour taste. If you love sour candy, this is an interesting option.

Be&Cheery King Plum Bucket 500g

Why It Stands Out: Why choose when you can try them all? This bucket from Be&Cheery contains a mix of five different types of preserved plums, including snow plum, bayberry plum, and green plums.

Pros:

• Five different types in one package for maximum variety.
• Large 500g bucket with approximately 70 individual packs.
• Ideal for sharing at parties, in the office, or with family.
• An excellent way to discover different flavours and textures.

Who Is It For? Perfect for families, for sharing with friends, or for anyone who loves variety. With this mix, you're sure to discover your personal favourite.

Liu Liu Prune Green Plum Green Tea Flavor 160g

Why It Stands Out: This product offers a unique twist on the traditional plum snack with the addition of green tea extract. The base of green plums (91.8%) provides a natural, fresh-sour taste.

Pros:

• Unique flavour combination of green plum and green tea.
• High percentage (91.8%) of green plum for an authentic taste.
• A refreshing alternative to the more traditional sweet or salty plums.
• Ready to eat as a convenient snack.

Who Is It For? For the curious foodie looking for an innovative flavour. If you enjoy the earthy notes of green tea, this combination is worth a try.

Want to Discover More Options?

Haven't found your perfect snack plum yet? No worries. Our assortment is broader than this selection and includes many more flavours and varieties. Whether you're looking for extra salty, extra sweet, or other unique Asian snacks, there's always something new to discover.

Check out all our dried plums and find the perfect match for your taste.

Frequently Asked Questions about Chinese Plums

What is the difference between Chinese plums and regular dried plums?

The main difference lies in the preparation method. Regular dried plums (prunes) are simply dehydrated, which gives them a natural, sweet taste. Chinese plums, also known as preserved plums, are cured in a mixture of sugar, salt, and sometimes spices or licorice. This process gives them their characteristic complex, sweet-and-sour, or salty flavour.

How do I store preserved plums?

Most preserved plums are best stored in a cool, dry place, away from direct sunlight. Once a package is opened, it's advisable to seal it tightly to prevent them from drying out or absorbing moisture. Always consult the storage instructions on the packaging.

Are Chinese plums a candy or a snack?

They are essentially both. Due to their sweet and sour flavours, they are often considered plum candy. At the same time, they are a popular savory or sweet snack in many Asian countries, similar to how we might eat crisps or olives. It entirely depends on the type of plum and the occasion you enjoy them.