HOLLIS, N.H. — As August approaches New Hampshire’s next tree fruit is coming into season: plums. Similar to apricots they are not widely grown in NH but are another great local fruit to give a try this summer.
Plums are typically ready in August, and they come in a variety of colors including purple, yellow, red, and green. According to the 2017 New Hampshire Census of Agriculture there are 32 farms in the state that grow plums comprising about 10 acres of land in the state. A few growers produce hybrids of plums and apricots such as plumcots or pluots.
This year’s plum crop appears to be a mixed bag for NH-area growers. Arthur Kelly of Kelly Orchards in Acton, Maine reported, “The plum crop at Kelly Orchards will be light this year after a very heavy crop in 2021. The bright spot will be Green Gage.” Some orchards are already harvesting their plum crops.
Plums are in the stone fruit family and the varieties grown in New Hampshire have a tart sweet-sour taste. They can be used in a number of ways including eaten fresh, dried into prunes, or made into purees.
To see if there is an orchard with plums near you, check out the NHFGA website at https://www.nhfruitgrowers.
About the New Hampshire Fruit Growers Association:
The NH Fruit Growers Association (NHFGA) is a non-profit association made up of tree fruit farmers, commercial, and supporting members who share a passion for New Hampshire-grown apples, peaches, cherries, plums, and pears. Among the association’s approximately 30 member orchards and farms, there’s diversity in size, fruit, and farm products, but they all gladly share the hard work of taking great care to grow quality fresh fruit for their customers. Keep up with NHFGA on Facebook and Instagram (@NHFruitGrowers) for nutrition information, fun facts, recipes, and more!
–New Hampshire Fruit Growers Association
