Roasted Sand Plums: A Sweet and Tart Treat
As autumn approaches, nature provides us with a bounty of flavorful fruits and vegetables to enjoy. One ingredient that reaches its peak in the fall is the sand plum. Indigenous to parts of North America, sand plums offer a unique sweet-tart flavor when roasted that pairs beautifully with savory herbs like rosemary. This simple roasted sand plum dessert highlights the best qualities of this seasonal fruit.
Sand plums grow wild across the Great Plains and prairie regions of the United States and Canada. They tend to thrive in sandy soil, which gives them their name. The fruits resemble plums with a rounded shape and deep purple skin. Their flesh is golden yellow with a soft, juicy texture. When raw, sand plums have an astringent, sour taste. But when roasted, their natural sugars caramelize, developing a richer, sweeter profile with notes of honey and toasted nuts.
Roasted Sand Plums combine the lush, concentrated flavor of roasted sand plums with the woodsy aroma of fresh rosemary. The caramelization process mellows out the plums’ tartness, bringing forward more complex flavors. As the plums soften and collapse, their juices thicken into a luscious syrup. The rosemary adds a subtle perfume and herbaceous accent.
To make this simple dessert, start by halving and pitting one pound of sand plums. Toss the plums with just a drizzle of olive oil and honey, and some chopped fresh rosemary. Roast at 375°F for 20-25 minutes until the plums are tender and caramelized. The sugars will concentrate as the plums release their juice, creating a decadent sauce.
Spoon the hot roasted plums into dishes and enjoy warm or at room temperature. The plums pair wonderfully with frozen yogurt, ice cream, or mascarpone cheese for an elegant finish. Drizzle with a bit more honey or maple syrup to amplify the sweetness.
This comforting dessert is easy to put together with just a few ingredients, making it a great choice for casual dinners, potlucks, or holiday gatherings. The harmonious blend of sweet and tart flavors is sure to be a crowd-pleaser. As the season for sand plums comes to an end, be sure to pick some up at farmers’ markets and roadside stands to make this beautiful roasted plum treat.
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Roasted Sand Plums
A sweet and tart treat
- Total Time: 35 minutes
Ingredients
20 sand plums, halved and pitted
2 tablespoons olive oil
2 tablespoons honey or maple syrup
1 teaspoon fresh rosemary, finely chopped
A pinch of salt
A sprinkle of freshly ground black pepper
Instructions
Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
In a large mixing bowl, combine halved sand plums, olive oil, honey or maple syrup, and rosemary. Toss well to coat the plums evenly.
Spread the plums on a baking sheet or a cast iron pan in a single layer, cut side up.
Sprinkle with a pinch of salt and freshly ground black pepper.
Roast in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the plums are tender and caramelized.
Remove from the oven and let cool slightly before serving.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
