Pluots vs. Apriums: Exploring the Delicious Hybrid Fruits

You may have seen some fruit at the market that is new to you, and you may be wondering what these are and if you should try one—introducing hybrid fruits.

Pluots and apriums are not as new as you may think, and you don't need to fear them as the so-called "Frankenfood."

They can add variety to your summer fruit bowl, but what exactly are pluots and apriums, and how do they differ from their parent fruits? Learn about fruit hybrids.

Pluots

Let's start with pluots. If you've ever wondered what would happen if a plum and an apricot fell head over heels in love, the answer is a pluot. These delightful fruits are a genetic cross between plums and apricots, created by the masterful work of botanist Floyd Zaiger in the late 20th century.

Pluot Varieties

Pluots come in a variety of colors, shapes, and flavors. Some pluots lean more towards the plum side, while others have a stronger apricot influence. The vibrant flesh ranges from deep red to golden hues, and their skin can be smooth or slightly fuzzy.

Pluots typically contain around 75% plum and 25% apricot.

There are more than 80 varieties of pluots today. One popular pluot variety is the Dapple Dandy, also known as the Dinosaur Egg. Its distinctive mottled skin and sweet, juicy flesh make it a favorite among fruit enthusiasts. Another tempting option is the Flavor Grenade, a pluot that lives up to its name with its intense flavor and crispy texture.

Nutrition Facts: Pluots

Here's a peek at their nutrition facts per 100 grams:

Calories: 46
Carbohydrates: 12 grams
Fiber: 2 grams
Vitamin A: 8% of the recommended daily value
Vitamin C: 15% of the recommended daily value
Potassium: 6% of the recommended daily value

Apriums: A Twist on Apricots

Apriums are another fruit hybrid. Created by crossing apricots and plums, apriums have a slightly different parentage than pluots. This unique combination results in a fruit with an apricot's sweetness and a plum's juiciness.

Aprium Varieties

Apriums also come in several varieties, each with its distinct characteristics. The Flavor Delight aprium is popular with its smooth skin, succulent flesh, and delightful balance of sweet and tangy flavors. Try the Hawaiian aprium with its juicy, aromatic flesh if you want a tropical twist.

Apriums generally contain around 75% apricot and 25% plum

Nutrition Facts: Apriums

In addition to their delicious taste, apriums offer a healthy dose of essential nutrients. Here's a glimpse of the nutrition facts per 100 grams of apriums:

Calories: 48
Carbohydrates: 11 grams
Fiber: 2 grams
Vitamin A: 37% of the recommended daily value
Vitamin C: 13% of the recommended daily value
Potassium: 4% of the recommended daily value

What's the difference?

Okay, they are both a cross of apricot and plums. Apriums are more apricot than plum and tend to have slightly fuzzy skins. Pluots are more plum than apricot and have smooth skin.

While both pluots and apriums are fruit hybrids that combine the flavors of plums and apricots, there are some key differences between the two. These differences lie in their parentage, flavor profiles, and physical characteristics. Let's delve into the distinctions:

Parentage:

Pluots: Pluots are a cross between plums and apricots, with a higher percentage of plum genetics. They typically contain around 75% plum and 25% apricot.
Apriums: Apriums have a different parentage. They are a cross between apricots and plums, with more apricot genetics. Apriums generally contain around 75% apricot and 25% plum.

Pluot or aprium? Both are a cross of apricots and plums.

Flavor Profiles:

Pluots: Pluots have a sweeter, juicier flavor profile with subtle tanginess. The sweetness is often reminiscent of the apricot, while the juiciness is from the plum parent.
Apriums: Apriums offer a flavor profile that leans more towards the sweetness of apricots with hints of plum undertones. They are typically sweeter than pluots and may have a slightly tangy or tart note.

Physical Characteristics:

Pluots: Pluots have smooth, firm skin ranging in color from deep red to golden hues. The flesh is usually juicy and varies in color, ranging from yellow to red.
Apriums: Apriums also have smooth skin, but they can be slightly fuzzier than that pluots. The skin color ranges from yellow to golden orange. The flesh is often bright orange and juicy.

Texture:

Pluots: Pluots tend to have a soft and juicy texture reminiscent of a ripe plum. The flesh is smooth and succulent, offering a delightful mouthfeel.
Apriums: Apriums have a slightly firmer texture compared to pluots. They are still juicy but may have a slight denseness due to the apricot genetics.

Availability:

Pluots: Pluots are more widely available and cultivated than apriums. They have gained popularity among fruit enthusiasts and in grocery stores or farmer's markets during their peak season.
Apriums: Although less common, apriums are becoming increasingly available in some regions. However, they may be more challenging to find compared to pluots.

While pluots and apriums share similarities in their parentage and flavor profiles, the slight differences in genetics and characteristics give each fruit a unique taste and experience. Whether you prefer the sweeter and juicier notes of pluots or the apricot-focused sweetness of apriums, both fruits offer a delicious alternative to traditional plum or apricot varieties.

Is one better than the other? Not really. Ultimately, it boils down to personal preference and the flavor profile you're seeking.

So, the next time you're strolling through the produce aisle, don't hesitate to grab a pluot or aprium and embark on a fruity adventure like no other. Your taste buds will thank you!