Pluots, apriums, apriplums, or plumcots, are some of the hybrids between different Prunus species that are also called interspecific (or IS) plums. In the United States, these fruit are known by most regulatory agencies as interspecific plums. Whereas plumcots and apriplums are first-generation hybrids between a plum parent (P. salicina or P. cerasifera or their hybrids), and an apricot (P. armeniaca), pluots and apriums are later-generations. Both names "plumcot" and "apriplum" have been used for trees derived from a plum seed parent, and are therefore equivalent.
Pluots /ˈpluːɒt/ are later-generations that show more plum than apricot characteristics; the fruit's exterior has smooth skin closely resembling that of a plum. Pluots were developed in the late 20th century by Floyd Zaiger, and "Pluot" is a registered trademark of Zaiger's Genetics. The Pluot was featured on an Andy Rooney segment on 60 Minutes.
Apriums are complex plum-apricot hybrids that show more apricot traits,[1] genetically they are one-fourth (25%) plum and three-fourths (75%) apricot.[citation needed] Aprium varieties were developed in the late 1980s by Floyd Zaiger, and "Aprium" is a registered trademark of Zaiger's Genetics.
Apriums resemble apricots on the outside. The flesh is usually dense. Apriums are noted for their sweet taste, due to their high content of fructose and other complex sugars.[citation needed] Apriums are usually only available early in the fruit season, like apricots and unlike pluots, which include some very late-ripening varieties.
Aprium trees grow quickly and are smaller compared to other common home-grown apricots. The fruit is gold, with red coloration. Semimature fruit is hard and does not ripen if picked before completely mature.
Advantage of Pluot
It stands to reason that a pluot would share a mixture of the health benefits of its parent fruits - the plum and the apricot. In fact, they are even healthier (although they are very sweet)! Plouts contain neochlorogenic and chlorogenic acid which are phytonutrients that function as antioxidants in the body, scavending for free radicals. They also contain carotenoids and flavonoids that help maintain good eye health and can help protect against cancer and heart disease. Plus, they're a great source of vital nutrients such as vitamins C & A, potassium and dietary fiber.
The pluot, a hybrid fruit invented by Floyd Zaiger in the late 20th century, combines elements from the plum and the apricot. The pluot has a smooth, plum-like skin and a sweeter flavor than either the plum or apricot. Like most fruits, pluots are low in calories and fat.
Low Energy Density
Fruits such as pluots have low energy density, meaning they contain few calories for their volume. Fruits contain high amounts of water, which provides bulk but not calories. Low-energy-density foods can help you fill up without eating too many calories, enabling you to control your appetite and maintain a healthy weight. A serving of two pluots contains only 80 calories and 0.8 g of fat, according to LIVESTRONG.COM's MyPlate. Pluots have no cholesterol.
Fiber
A serving of two pluots contains 17.2 g of carbohydrates, including 3 g of dietary fiber and 15 g of sugar, according to LIVESTRONG.COM's MyPlate. Dietary fiber plays an important role in healthy bowel function. Fiber, a non-digestible complex carbohydrate, passes through your digestive system more slowly than simple carbohydrates, leaving you full for longer.
Nutrients
Information about the vitamin and mineral content of pluots remains unavailable, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. The CDC does, however, provide nutrition information for plums and apricots, the bases for the pluot. A ½ cup serving of apricot provides 30 percent of your recommended daily vitamin A intake, 15 percent of your recommended daily vitamin C intake and 2 percent of your recommended daily calcium and iron intake. The plum provides 15 percent of your recommended daily vitamin C intake and 6 percent of your recommended daily vitamin A intake.
Health Benefits
A healthy diet rich in fruits and vegetables may reduce your risk for heart attack, stroke, obesity, type 2 diabetes and some cancers, according to the USDA. Diets rich in fiber-containing fruits may help prevent constipation and reduce your risk for diverticulosis. Try to fill at least half of your plate with fruits and vegetables at every meal, recommends the USDA.
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