Q&A for How to Store Plums

If they look good and smell good, take a tiny taste. If they taste okay, put them in a pot with a small amount of water and boil for two minutes for good measure.

Five years is a little past its time. If your freezer has never been faulty in all those years, there is nothing to suggest it isn't safe, but realistically you should just throw them out and buy new plums. Your jelly will probably taste quite gross if you use the frozen ones.

Fruits typically stay fresher if they are not washed until you wish to eat them.

You can store them in a cooler only if it's working properly. If it's not, then probably just store them for 5 day or so.

Yes, you can store them for the next day. You just can't store them for a little while longer, like 5 to 10 days.

To preserve plums in a bottling jar, wash, halve, and pit the plums. Pack them into sterilized jars. Make a hot syrup with 2 cups water and 1 cup sugar (adjust to taste), then pour it over the plums, leaving 1/2 inch headspace. Remove air bubbles, seal the jars, and process in a boiling water bath for 20–25 minutes. Let cool and store in a cool, dark place.

If your plums are almost ripe and you'll be away for 4 days, it's best to pick them and refrigerate. Fully ripe plums can overripen or fall off the tree quickly, especially in warm weather. Refrigerating slows ripening and preserves freshness.

To make plum jam, pit and chop 2 lbs of plums. In a pot, combine with 1.5 cups sugar and 2 tbsp lemon juice. Cook over medium heat, stirring, until thick—about 25–35 minutes. Mash or blend for smoothness. Pour into sterilized jars and cool, or water-bath can for long-term storage.

Yes, a plum dessert topping may lose some color after freezing and thawing due to oxidation and moisture changes. To help preserve color, add lemon juice before freezing, store it in an airtight container, and minimize air exposure. Thaw in the fridge for best results.

To stew plums without sugar, halve and pit 6–8 ripe plums. Place them in a saucepan with a splash of water and optional spices like cinnamon or vanilla. Cover and simmer over low heat for 10–15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until soft. Taste and add a natural sweetener like honey or dates if desired.