Pluots, plumcots, and apriums ALL come from combining together their parent fruits, plums and apricots, and there are even more varieties with similar mashup style names.
Origin
Plum Parentage - The Japanese or Chinese plum is a deciduous tree (meaning it sheds its leaves seasonally), and as indicated in the name originated in Asia.
Apricot Parentage - Although documentation of the apricot existing in Armenia dates back to ancient times, its lineage also places its origin in Asia.
Creating hybrid versions of fruit naturally can take up to 15 years depending on the percentage of parentage from each fruit, with each generation coming closer to goal hybrids. For example, apriums are often 70% apricot and 30% plum. This takes a couple generations to first achieve.
Taste, Texture, Touch & Appearance
Pluots are more plum than apricot, and they have smooth skin like a plum. The flesh of the pluot is a bit sweeter than a normal plum.
Plumcots are a 50/50 hybrid of plums and apricots. They are what's considered a "first generation hybrid" with their direct parents being a plum and an apricot.
Apriums are more apricot than plum, and they often have that characteristic fuzzy skin.
All varieties of these plum and apricot hybrids are considered stone fruits or drupes, and this simply means that the flesh of the fruit surrounds a relatively large "stone".
The characteristic stone center is actually a tough shell that encases the fruit's seed.
Properties & Storage
Creating hybrid versions of fruit naturally can take up to 15 years depending on the percentage of parentage from each fruit, with each generation coming closer to goal hybrids. For example, apriums are often 70% apricot and 30% plum. This takes a couple generations to first achieve.
You can leave stone fruits out at room temperature for a day or two to ripen; they're ready to eat when you touch it and it leaves a slight dent. Once ripe, you can store stone fruits in the refrigerator (uncovered and unwashed) for up to five days.
Ways to Enjoy
pick it up and eat it just like an apple
dice and add to yogurt
dice and add to oatmeal/quinoa
dice and add to salads
Notable Nutrients
Pluots are an excellent source of Vitamin C and a good source of Fiber and Potassium.
Vitamin C
Vitamin C is an antioxidant, helping protect cells from damage caused by free radicals.
Vitamin C is needed to make collagen which helps wounds heal.
Fiber
Fiber helps push food through our digestive tract.
Fiber scrubs the insides of our intestines as it moves through our digestive tract.
Potassium
Potassium is necessary for fluid balance within our bodies.
Potassium is necessary for heart functions and for blood pressure regulation.
Gut Microbiome Connection
Our gut microbiome loves the introduction of new foods, especially new fruits and veggies.
Because pluots are a good source of fiber, it gives all of the microorganisms plenty of work to do which helps increase their population.
Eating different foods and/or preparing foods in different ways encourages the development and sustainability of new microorganisms as they are needed to help break down the foods we eat.
Bacteria are supported by the types of foods we eat. There are some bacteria that we know are not beneficial to our gut, and these bacteria are present with diets high in added sugars, low fiber, and high amounts of animal fats and protein. While other bacteria thrive with diets high in fruits, veggies, and whole grains. Eating a wide variety of fruits and veggies encourages the density and diversity of healthy bacteria.
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