Ever found yourself in the produce aisle, scratching your head at the pluots and plumcots? We’ve been there. These fruits seem like a mystery wrapped in a riddle.
What sets them apart isn’t just a game of vowels. Pluots and plumcots are like the close cousins in the fruit family. One’s more plum, the other leans apricot. It gets wild, folks. We once had a plumcot that convinced us it was a pluot. True story.
In this piece, we’re laying it all out. Clear, simple, no jargon. Just the juicy facts. By the end, you’ll not only tell them apart but also pick your favorite like a pro. Stick with us.
What is a Pluot?

Pluots are a hybrid fruit created in the late 20th century by Howard B.
Frost, a California fruit breeder.
They have become popular due to their unique flavor and texture.
Various colors and sizes exist, with the flesh being juicy and smooth.
Low in calories and high in fiber, pluots are a healthy snack option.
Plus, they are versatile for cooking.
Using them in jams, pies, tarts, or simply eating them fresh, they make a delicious summer fruit.
The skin also has variations in texture – smooth or fuzzy – giving consumers more options.
Pluots are now a well-known culinary creation that everyone should try.
What is a Plumcot?
Plumcot – a unique hybrid of 50% plum and 50% apricot.
It’s a seasonal delight with a tangy taste that will leave you wanting more.
Luther Burbank created this hybrid in the late 19th century, and it has since gained worldwide popularity.
The combination of these two fruits gives this bright-colored, juicy and sweet fruit an intriguing flavor profile that many have grown to love.
You can eat it fresh or use it for pies, muffins, jams, or tarts.
There are many different varieties available.
One example is ‘Dinosaur egg,’ with a distinct striped pattern on its skin.
Another is “Flavorella,” known for its juicy honey-sweet flesh with low acidity content.
Not only do plumcots provide variety to your fruit basket, but they’re also rich in nutrients such as Vitamin C, Vitamin A, calcium, potassium & dietary fibers.
In conclusion, hybridization can create delicious results.
Whether you prefer conventional fruits or not, trying new things will bring unique experiences and maybe even your next favorite fruit.
Origins of Pluots and Plumcots
Pluots and plumcots are both delicious.
But many people ask, what’s the difference?
It’s all in the origin.
Pluots were developed by Floyd Zaiger in the late 20th century.
He crossed plums and apricots in various ratios until he found a combination that was juicier and sweeter than some other plums.
Now, there are many types of pluots available.
Plumcots have an interesting origin.
They come from ancient crossbreeding between Japanese Ume plums and apricots.
Over time, farmers continuously repeated the crossings to refine taste and texture.
Both fruits are called ‘interspecific’ hybrids because of their unique genetic blend.
It’s up to you which one you prefer – the tangy tartness of a plumcot, or the sweetness of a pluot.
But one thing is sure – they have certainly captured our taste buds.
Differences Between Pluots and Plumcots
Pluots and plumcots are one-of-a-kind fruits.
They have a complex genetic makeup.
This gives them their special flavor and look.
Pluots contain more plum genetics.
Plumcots have an equal mix of plum and apricot genetics.
Pluots are usually sweeter. This is because they have higher sugar content.
Both fruits have a similar texture. You can use them the same way in recipes.
If you want a sweeter taste, go for pluots.
If you want a balanced flavor, choose plumcots.
In short, both fruits have amazing flavors that will make your taste buds happy.
Genetic Composition
Fruit hybrids? Not unusual. But Pluots and Plumcots? Now that’s something special.
60% plum and 40% apricot genes? That’s a Pluot.
Opposite breakdown? That’s a Plumcot.
They’re created by horticulturists, via natural crossing of the two fruits.
Result? Distinctive flavors and textures.
Pluots are usually sweeter, thanks to the plum genes.
Plumcots have a stronger apricot taste.
Perfect for snacking or baking.
Appearance and Texture
Pluots and Plumcots have a distinct look and feel.
Pluots have a smooth skin, like plums.
They are round and have a pointy end near the stem.
The colors range from red to purple, with yellow or green undertones.
Plumcots, on the other hand, have a fuzzier skin, like apricots.
They are smaller than plums and more oval-shaped.
The colors are red, purple, or green.
Both fruits have a juicy inside with sweet-tangy flesh.
Pluot flesh is usually firmer than Plumcot flesh.
Both fruits are wonderfully juicy.
Flavor Profile
Pluots and Plumcots have gained popularity recently due to their blend of plum and apricot flavors.
Though similar, they have distinct tastes.
Pluots have a sweeter flavor with a hint of tartness, while Plumcots have a stronger acidity and subtle sweetness.
Both fruits offer juicy succulence, perfect for snacks or baking.
The taste of these hybrids can differ depending on the variety.
For instance, Dinosaur Egg Pluots have a milder flavor compared to the sweet Flavor King Pluot.
Similarly, the Jasmine Plumcot has a unique floral note.
Texture-wise, they have a soft flesh that is easy to bite into.
When ripe, they also give off a pleasant aroma.
What you choose, Pluots or Plumcots, is down to personal preference.
However, both provide an interesting twist on traditional plums and apricots.
Availability and Varieties
Pluot and Plumcot are two very different fruits.
They look alike but taste and feel differently.
Pluots and Plumcots are only available in summer.
They’re a hybrid of plums and apricots.
The difference lies in their genetic makeup.
- Pluots have low acidity, making them sweeter. Colors range from dark red to yellow.
- Plumcots have a balance of sweet and tart. They’re firm and small, like golf balls or cherry tomatoes. The peel is red, purple or yellow, with golden-orange insides.
Similarities Between Pluots and Plumcots
Pluots and plumcots have lots in common.
They both have a soft and juicy interior with sweet flavors that tend towards the plum side.
Plus, they come in a range of shapes, sizes, and colors – from red to purple to yellow.
However, pluots and plumcots are different genetically.
Pluots are 75% plum and 25% apricot while plumcots are 50% of each.
This small difference can affect their taste, with pluots having deeper plum flavors and plumcots being more like apricots in terms of sweetness.
But there’s another thing they share – a limited growing season.
They must be picked at just the right time, making them harder to find and more expensive than regular plums or apricots.
So when deciding between a pluot or a plumcot, think about your preferences for sweetness and flavor intensity as well as availability during the short growing season.
How to Enjoy Pluots and Plumcots?
Pluots and Plumcots are a hybrid of plums and apricots.
So how can one enjoy them? Here are some ideas:
- Slice ’em up and have with yogurt or granola for breakfast.
- Make a fruit salad with pluots, plumcots and other seasonal fruits.
- Bake in a pie or tart for a sweet dessert.
- Grill slices for some added flavor.
- Muddle with gin or vodka for a summery cocktail.
Did you know there are over 20 varieties of pluots? On the other hand, there are only two types of plumcots: Dapple Dandy and Flavor Grenade.
These hybrid fruits have an incredible juicy texture and intense sweetness – perfect to switch up your fruit game.
Conclusion
The pluot-plumcot debate can befuddle those who don’t know.
Both hybrids are a result of cross-pollination between a plum and an apricot.
However, they differ. In terms of feel, pluots are juicier and firmer.
Plumcots, in contrast, are softer and more delicate.
In the end, both hybrids are tasty. They each have their own flavour and texture.
So, it’s up to you to decide which one you prefer. Why not try them both?
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