Black Angelino plum (Prunus salicina), also commercially known as Angelino, grown in California and marketed under the Don José® brand. This Japanese-type plum is recognized for its very dark skin, firm flesh, excellent handling characteristics and outstanding postharvest storage potential. Its late-season maturity helps extend the commercial availability of California plums toward the end of the traditional stone-fruit season.
Organoleptic Properties
Round to slightly oval fruit with smooth, firm skin developing from deep reddish-purple to very dark purple or nearly black, frequently covered by a natural whitish waxy bloom. Firm, fleshy interior generally ranging from amber-yellow to greenish-yellow. Good juiciness with a substantial, crisp-firm bite. As the fruit ripens, its flavor develops greater sweetness while retaining moderate acidity for a balanced and refreshing profile.
Suggested Uses
Ideal for fresh consumption, snacking, fruit platters, salads, breakfast applications, yogurt, bowls and cheese pairings. Also suitable for tarts, bakery, compotes, preserves, sauces, chutneys, desserts and culinary preparations. Its firmness and postharvest durability make it particularly suitable for retail, hotels, restaurants, catering, buffets and distribution programs.
Format
C-CTN carton with a net weight of 12.7 Kg (28 lb), commercial size #75's. Fruit selected for size, firmness, color, maturity and integrity.
Storage and Handling
To maintain firmness and extend postharvest life, preferably store between 0 and 1 °C with approximately 90–95% relative humidity. Fruit may be temporarily held at room temperature to develop a softer texture and greater expression of sweetness and aroma. Once the desired eating maturity is reached, refrigeration helps slow further ripening.
Quality and Selection Criteria
Whole, fresh, firm and properly developed fruit displaying the characteristic dark coloration and natural bloom when present. Skin should remain intact and free from decay, open wounds, severe bruising, excessive dehydration or significant mechanical damage. Flesh should retain good firmness and juiciness. The whitish waxy bloom naturally present on the skin is a normal characteristic of the fruit and should not be mistaken for dirt or deterioration.
Origin
California, United States
Angelino is a late-season Japanese plum (Prunus salicina) particularly valued commercially for its exceptional firmness and ability to maintain quality during storage and distribution. Its late harvest helps extend the plum marketing season, while its strong postharvest performance makes it well suited to longer distribution programs. The fruit can be harvested while relatively firm and subsequently develop improved eating characteristics during ripening. Its distinctive combination of nearly black skin, light-colored flesh and extended commercial life has made Angelino particularly suitable for export and long-distance fresh-fruit distribution.
