The New Complete Book of Food

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r Plums

See also Prunes.

Nutritional Profile

Energy value (calories per serving): Moderate

Protein: Low

Fat: Low

Saturated fat: Low

Cholesterol: None

Carbohydrates: High

Fiber: Moderate

Sodium: Low

Major vitamin contribution: Vitamin A, vitamin C

Major mineral contribution: Potassium

About the Nutrients in This Food

Plums have moderate amounts of dietary fiber and a little vitamin A. They

are a good source of vitamin C.

One fresh plum (2^1 / 8 -inch diameter) has one gram dietary fiber, 228

IU vitamin A (10 percent of the RDA for a woman, 8 percent of the RDA for

a man), and 6 mg vitamin C (8 percent of the RDA for a woman, 7 percent

of the RDA for a man).

Like apple seeds, apricot pits, and peach pits, the seed inside a plum pit

contains amygdalin, a naturally occurring cyanide compound (see apples).

The Most Nutritious Way to Serve This Food

Fresh and ripe, with the peel.

Diets That May Restrict or Exclude This Food

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Buying This Food

Look for: Firm, brightly colored fruit that are slightly soft to the touch,

yielding a bit when you press them with your finger.