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Plum Juice

Homemade plum juice is one of summer’s simple pleasures. Learn how to make this refreshingly sweet and tangy drink in just a few minutes when plums are in season.

Two glasses of plum juice on a cutting board.

In an effort to give some attention to stone fruit other than peaches and nectarines — which totally have my heart — I’ve been buying plums on repeat this season.

While I still stand firmly by the fact that nothing can compare with a perfectly ripe white nectarine, I must say, plums have grown on me this year.

I always liked them but for some reason, along with apricots, they just weren’t a staple in my summer fruit buying routine.

What I’ve come to love about plums is their tangy sweetness. No other stone fruit really has the zippy tartness of plums. And when it comes to both food and people, I always appreciate a little zip.

That attribute is what made me think how delicious they’d be turned into a refreshing summer drink. The resulting plum juice is the perfect summer sipper. It’s sweet, just a tiny bit tart and brightened up with fresh lime juice and a touch of raw honey.

You can make it in a blender, there’s no juicer required, and it’s the perfect way to use up an overzealous market buy when you just can’t stop yourself from buying all the fruit right now.

Sliced plums in a bowl on a cutting board.

Ingredients to make plum juice

  • plums
  • fresh lime juice
  • raw honey
  • filtered water

Plums

Overripe plums are the key ingredient to this juice. They should be soft and borderline mushy. If you’re not using ripe plums, you’ll likely want to add a touch more honey to the recipe to make up for the sweetness.

The type of plum doesn’t matter so much. Shown here are black amber plums which have a dark skin and light flesh interior. Elephant heart plums feature a reddish pink flesh and can also be used.

Water

Water is also a key ingredient in making this a juice and not a smoothie or homemade V8 juice. It creates a more drinkable consistency. The texture of this recipe is somewhere between pure juice and smoothie. If you want it thinner, simply add more water.

Honey

If you don’t eat honey, regular cane sugar or maple syrup can also be used.

Lime

Limes or lemons help brighten up the juice. They’re interchangeable in the plum juice.

Can I use pluouts?

Pluouts are a cross between plums and apricots but unlike, apriums — the same type of cross — they’re more plum than apricot. You can definitely swap them out or mix them with plums for this juice recipe.

A blender filled with a mixture of plums, lime, honey and water.

How to make homemade plum juice

Wash the plums well. There’s no need to peel them before making this juice so it’s important to wash well and remove any dirt, debris or potential pesticides. Choosing organic plums is a good option if you can find them.

Slice the plums in half. Twist the halves in opposite directions to separate and remove the pit. This should happen effortlessly with overripe plums. Cut into quarters then add to a high-powered blender along with the lime juice, honey and filtered water.

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Blend until well combined and smooth. Using a fine mesh strainer or cheesecloth, strain the plum juice to get rid any pieces of skin and some of the pulp of the juice.

The plum juice can be enjoyed immediately or chilled in the refrigerator first. Serve with a lime garnish.

*Pro tip — try adding some warming spices like cinnamon, cardamom, ginger or nutmeg. These spices go really well with plums as featured in this five spice plum jam.

Overhead shot of two glasses of plum juice on a cutting board with lime wedges and honey.

What are the health benefits of plum juice?

Plums are rich in polyphenol antioxidants. Their deep reddish purple color indicates the presence of anthocyanins, a specific type of polyphenol found in other red/purple foods like red cabbage, tart cherries and beets. According to studies in PubMed, they’re thought to help reduce the risk of heart disease and cancer.

How long will the juice last?

Stored in the refrigerator, plum juice will last up to four to five days. Make sure to keep it in a sealed, air-tight container to maintain its freshness.

The juice can also be frozen. A great way to do this is in large ice cube trays. Plum juice can also be turned into popsicles like these peach pops by using your favorite ice pop mold.

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Can I use frozen plums?

Freezing plums in the summer for use later on in the year is a great way to enjoy plum juice all year round. Thaw frozen plums and then proceed with the recipe as written. Sweetness levels may have to be adjusted depending on how ripe the plums were when frozen.

Two glasses of plum juice with lime garnish and honey on a cutting board.

Why you’ll love this juice

  • Quick and easy with just four ingredients.
  • No juicer required.
  • Refreshing and perfectly balanced between sweet and tart.
  • All natural without any preservatives, chemicals, artificial flavors or extras!
A plum juice drink with a slice of lime on a wooden cutting board.

Looking for more ways to enjoy summer plums?

Goat cheese stuffed plums drizzled in honey make a great small bite. Pair them with your favorite cold glass of white wine for a summer weekend indulgence.

Plum salsa is another way to make use of their tart sweetness. It goes well with seafood, meat and chicken and can even be used as a fun twist to pico de gallo in a taco.

If you prefer prunes to plums, this green prune smoothie is a healthy option.

If you make and love this recipe, please leave a ★★★★★ review below! I’d love to know how it goes. Leave a comment below if you have any questions. Tag @runningtothekitchen on Instagram & Facebook.

Two glasses of plum juice on a cutting board.

Plum Juice

Yield: 4 servings
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Additional Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 40 minutes

Refreshingly delicious, this plum juice is simple to make and can be enjoyed in minutes with ripe summer fruit.

Ingredients

  • 4 large overripe plums, pitted and quartered (about 530 grams)
  • juice of 1/2 a lime
  • 1 tablespoon honey
  • 2 cups filtered water

Instructions

  1. Combine plums, lime juice, honey and water in a high-powered blender.
  2. Blend on high speed until fully blended.
  3. Strain through a fine mesh strainer or cheesecloth into a large bowl or container to remove any pieces of skin and some of the pulp.
  4. Place in the refrigerator to chill or enjoy immediately.
  5. Serve with lime garnish.

Notes

*If the plums are not overripe, add more honey to taste.

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Nutrition Information:
Yield: 4 Serving Size: 1
Amount Per Serving: Calories: 81Total Fat: 0gSaturated Fat: 0gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 0gCholesterol: 0mgSodium: 41mgCarbohydrates: 21gFiber: 1gSugar: 18gProtein: 1g

This website provides approximate nutrition information for convenience and as a courtesy only. Nutrition information can vary for a variety of reasons. For the most precise nutritional data use your preferred nutrition calculator based on the actual ingredients you used in the recipe.

DID YOU MAKE THIS RECIPE?

Please leave a comment below or pin it to your Pinterest account!

Marsha

Tuesday 15th of August 2023

So easy to make, and so delicious! Can't wait to make more.

Sage Scott

Sunday 13th of August 2023

What a delicious way to use ripe plums. Yum!

Allie

Sunday 13th of August 2023

My dad has a plum tree and gave us a ton of extra plums he had. Literally did not know what to do with 20 plums!! I made some desserts with them but found this juice recipe and it was great. Very refreshing!

Jane

Saturday 12th of August 2023

Mmm, this is delicious! I love the fresh lime juice mixed with the overripe plums. It's so refreshing and sweet.

jennifer

Saturday 12th of August 2023

You have absolutely taught me something new today! I have never made or even heard of plum juice -- but it makes total (and delicious, healthy) sense! THank you for the recipe

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