Removing seeds from plums while keeping them whole is a delicate task but can be done with a few careful steps. Here’s how you can achieve this:
Tools You’ll Need:
- A small paring knife
- A chopstick or small, thin spoon
Steps to Remove Plum Seeds:
- Wash and Dry Plums:
- Start by thoroughly washing the plums under cold water to remove any dirt or residue.
- Pat them dry with a towel.
- Find the Natural Seam:
- Plums typically have a natural line or seam running down one side. This line is where the plum halves join, and it’s the easiest place to begin your cut.
- Make the Initial Cut:
- Using a paring knife, make a careful cut along the seam of the plum. You want to cut just deep enough to reach the pit but not so deep that you cut the plum in half.
- Rotate the plum with one hand while keeping the knife stationary, slicing around the plum along its natural seam until you’ve made a full circle.
- Twist the Plum:
- Gently twist the two halves of the plum in opposite directions. This motion should help loosen the pit from one half. If the plum is ripe and soft, this step should be fairly easy. If the plum doesn’t separate easily, use the knife to gently cut any flesh that is still attached to the pit.
- Remove the Pit:
- If the pit remains in one half of the plum, use a chopstick or the handle of a small spoon to gently push the pit out through the top where you made your initial cut.
- Insert the chopstick or spoon handle at the stem end and gently push the pit out while holding the plum carefully to avoid breaking the flesh.
- Inspect and Clean:
- Once the pit is removed, inspect the inside of the plum to make sure no fragments of the pit remain.
- If necessary, use the knife to clean up any rough edges gently, being careful not to break the plum’s skin.
Tips:
- Choosing the Right Plums: Use plums that are not overly ripe, as firmer plums are easier to work with and less likely to break apart when pitting.
- Patience is Key: Take your time with each plum, especially if you are new to this technique. Rushing can cause the plum to break or the pit to tear through the flesh.
Removing plum seeds while keeping them whole can be a bit challenging, but with practice, it becomes easier. This method is excellent for recipes requiring whole pitted plums or for preparing fruits in a way that maintains their aesthetic appeal.
