Italian plums are small, with dark skin and yellow flesh. They are sweet and dense, which is why they are often turned into prunes. However, they are wonderful for eating fresh and baking.
Ripe plums are best when eaten right away after they soften, but if you have more than you can eat in a single sitting, stash them in the refrigerator for up to a couple days. The cool temperature slows down ripening and prevents them from spoiling.
We have partnered with four orchards in south central Pennsylvania that produce some of the regions best stone fruits including white, yellow and doughnut peaches, nectarines, yellow and purple plums and sweet and sour cherries. All of these orchards are family owned and some are so small they don't even have a website. We get deliveries from one or all of them weekly depending on availability. All of the fruits are hand picked and hand crated and chosen based on ripeness and size. Slice of Earth Farm Stand in Wolcott, Vermont drives to the Southern Pennsylvania region to pick up peaches for both us and their farm stand so if you are ever in the Wolcott area of Vermont, be sure to stop in there to experience all they have to offer.
All of the orchards use Integrated Pest management (IPM) Practices which is an effective and environmentally sensitive approach to pest management that relies on a combination of common-sense practices. IPM is used to manage pest damage by the most economical means, and with the least possible hazard to people, property, and the environment.
The four orchards we are currently purchasing stone fruits from are Sunrise Orchard in Newville, PA, Sun Hill Orchards and Bear Mountain Orchards in Aspers, PA and Beachwood Orchards in Biglerville, PA.
https://beechwoodorchard.net/
https://www.bearmountainorchards.com/
