In-Season for Summer: Pluots

Pluots are at their sweetest and juiciest from June until August. Get your hands on them while you can!

    Meet the pluot — dynamic duo — part plum, part apricot, all sun-dappled sweetness. In-season in the Northern Hemisphere from June until August, pluots peak during the summer months. If you haven’t yet had the pleasure of biting into this vibrant, juicy fruit, it’s time to plan your next trip to our Produce department. But what exactly is a pluot — and what does it taste like? How do you eat it? Read on to find out.

    What Are Pluots?

    Pluots (pronounced PLEW-OTTS) are hybrid fruits derived from cross-pollinating apricots with plums. While a plumcot is half plum, half apricot, a pluot is generally more plum than apricot. They’re sweeter and less acidic than their plum ancestors, making them great for snacking.

    Get To Know Pluots

    Pluots vary in size and color and feature smooth, taut skin. Some have crisp flesh, while others lean toward soft and juicy. As with other stone fruits like apricots and peaches, they have a single pit in the center.

    Pluot Nutrition

    Pluots make a delicious better-for-you snack, whether they’re packed into lunch boxes or stashed in your office desk. They’re also a colorful addition to a produce-packed summer salad. When it comes to nutrient facts, they include vitamin C, with one serving (two raw pluots) supplying nearly 25% of recommended daily needs.

    Serving size: 2 raw pluots (154g)

    • Calories: 69

    • Fat: 0g

    • Carbohydrates: 17g

    • Fiber: 2g

    • Sugars: 15g

    • Vitamin C: 14.5g mg (24% DV)

    • Vitamin A: 500 IU (10% DV)

    Source: U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) opens in a new tab

    Plum Crumble recipe
    Try our Plum Crumble recipe with pluots.

    How To Eat Pluots

    Aside from eating out of hand (no peeling necessary!), pluots can be used in any recipe that calls for fresh plums or apricots. If you’re slicing or chopping them for breakfast, salads, side dishes or desserts, slice the fruit in half first and carefully remove the pit in the same way you would handle a peach or apricot.

    Need inspiration? Try these flavor-packed recipes and ideas:

    • Enjoy for dessert: Slice, chop or mash pluots and spoon over vanilla yogurt, frozen yogurt, ice cream or nondairy frozen dessert. Or make this easy Plum Crumble with pluots.

    • Grill them: Marinate, skewer, grill and serve. Baste with your favorite vinaigrette while grilling for extra flavor. Watch our How To Grill Stone Fruit video opens in a new tab to learn how to grill them in halves.

    • Create an easy app: Slice and wrap with prosciutto or bacon; pan sauté in olive or canola oil until crispy on all sides. Serve over green salad or as a side dish.

    • Whip up a quick salsa: Add chopped pluots to Peach and Cucumber Salsa, Avocado Mango Salsa or Fresh Pineapple Salsa. Serve with or sliced cheese or grilled meats, fish, tofu or tempeh.

    • Add to salads: Chop or slice pluots for green or grain salads. Try leafy field greens, baby spinach, baby arugula, couscous or brown rice salads. Or use sliced pluots in place of plums in this Spinach Salad with Plums and Goat Cheese.

    • Pair with dark chocolate: Eat pluots out of hand with dark chocolate. For fun, dip pluot slices in melted dark chocolate. Refrigerate on a waxed paper–lined plate or baking sheet until the chocolate hardens. Serve for a snack or dessert.

    • Enjoy for breakfast: Slice or chop and serve over pancakes, waffles, scones, biscuits, toast or croissants.

    • Serve with cheese: Enjoy pluots with creamy ricotta or soft goat cheese. Another option: layer with sliced fresh mozzarella. Don’t forget basil and extra-virgin olive oil.

    • Mix into drinks: Chop and spoon into the bottom of champagne flutes or wine glasses. Pour your favorite sparkling wine or sparkling water over the fruit for a refreshing beverage.*

    Pluot Varieties

    Whether you’re looking for an all-by-itself snack, an intriguing cheese board addition, a dessert topper or to sweeten up your grill game, pluots make for a versatile and rewarding choice. Find the right one for your recipe plans — or taste test several. Stop by your local store to check out what’s available — from complex, grab-a-napkin juicy Dapple Dandies to satisfyingly sweet Flavor Queens.

    How To Buy and Store Pluots

    When selecting pluots in our Produce department, make sure they are firm and give to only slight pressure. Avoid any with soft spots or bruises. Once at home, store pluots on your countertop out of direct sunlight. To help your pluots ripen faster, place them in a brown paper bag.

    Ready to try pluots? Visit the Produce department in your nearest Whole Foods Market store to stock up.

    *Must be 21+. Please drink responsibly.