Perfect growing conditions this summer have delivered higher than usual fruit quality and a doubled yield of the famous Queen Garnet plum – now available in stores nationally until the end of March. It’s one we love as it’s sweetness in deep flesh flavours are so nicely balanced to its naturally higher acidic outer skin layer; making it a great recipe ingredient for both sweet and savoury<\/a> dishes.<\/p>\n Naturally containing more antioxidants than other plum varieties, the Queen Garnet plum has gained cult status as The Queen of Antioxidants<\/em> based on scientific research from leading Australian universities and institutions such as CSIRO, Victoria<\/a> University, the University of Wollongong and the University of Southern Queensland<\/a>.<\/p>\n As shown in a 2019 human trial, daily consumption of Queen Garnet plum juice decreased biomarkers of inflammation, blood pressure and fat levels in hypertensive and overweight humans. Furthermore, in a separate investigation, consumption of Queen Garnet plums reduced the symptoms of Inflammatory Bowel Disease. Researchers attributed these effects to the Queen Garnet’s anthocyanins \u2013 powerful antioxidants found in red, blue and purple fruits and vegetables. The fruit\u2019s signature dark purple flesh is also an indicator of its high antioxidant content.<\/p>\n Not that we need to be sold on the virtues of fresh plums! Essentials<\/em> is happy to simply remind you that now is the time to experiment in new ways to use the fruit within your cooked, or fresh plated early autumn recipes.<\/p>\n![\"Queen](\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/essentialsmagazine.com.au\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/03\/queen-garnet-scanddi-bowl.jpg?resize=770%2C616&ssl=1\")
![\"Queen](\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/essentialsmagazine.com.au\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/03\/queen-garnet-plums-harvest.jpg?resize=770%2C817&ssl=1\")