For many Australians, especially those in Queensland’s tropical north, salted cured plums are more than just a snack; they’re a nostalgic taste of childhood. With their unique balance of salty, sour, and sweet, these chewy little gems have found their way into lunchboxes, road trips, and market stalls across the country. In this guide, we’ll explore what salted cured plums are, review some of the best brands available in Australia, compare flavours and textures, and share creative ways to enjoy them, whether you’re rediscovering an old favourite or trying them for the very first time.
I. What Are Salted Cured Plums?
Salted cured plums, sometimes called salty plums or preserved plums, are dried plums that have been cured with salt and sometimes sugar or other flavourings, to create their distinctive taste. Originating in Asia, they’ve become a beloved treat in many cultures, including Australia’s multicultural food scene.
Depending on the variety, they can range from intensely salty and tangy to gently sweet with just a hint of salt. The curing process not only preserves the fruit but also deepens its flavour, giving each bite that addictive, mouth-watering punch.
II. Top Salted Cured Plum Brands Reviewed
Australia’s love affair with salted cured plums has given rise to a variety of brands on the market, each with its own flavour twist, texture, and level of saltiness. Below are three popular picks that have earned loyal followings across the country:
- Pink Lady White Salty Plums: Known for its pale, elegant hue and balanced flavour, this variety combines a gentle tartness with the mild savoury touch of Himalayan pink salt. It’s a favourite among those who want a snack that’s both refreshing and not overly sweet.
- Red Darwin Seedless Salty Plum: With its bold red colour and chewy seedless texture, this plum offers a richer sweetness with a clean tangy finish. Perfect for quick snacking or pairing with fresh fruit, it’s a hit for anyone who enjoys a slightly more indulgent flavour profile.
- Xie Xie Sweet Plum: A naturally sweet dried plum with minimal salt, making it ideal for those who prefer a softer, dessert-like taste. Its tender bite and mild aroma also make it a versatile ingredient for baking or breakfast bowls.
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III. Taste & Texture Comparison
While all salted cured plums share that signature blend of sweet, salty, and tangy notes, the differences between each variety are more distinct than you might think.
- Pink Lady White Salty Plum delivers a crisp, tart bite with a light saltiness that lingers just enough to refresh your palate. Its smooth, plump texture makes it pleasant to chew without being sticky.
- Red Darwin Seedless Salty Plum leans towards a deeper sweetness, balanced by a clean tang. The absence of seeds means you can enjoy a soft, chewy mouthfeel from start to finish—perfect for snacking without interruptions.
- Xie Xie Sweet Plum stands apart with its subtle salt and naturally sweet flavour. Its dry yet tender layers come apart easily, giving you a lighter bite that’s more about gentle sweetness than punchy tartness.
Whether you prefer a zesty kick, a chewy indulgence, or a mellow sweetness, each plum offers a different way to satisfy your craving.
IV. Packaging, Price & Availability
1. Pink Lady White Salty Plum
Pink Lady White Salty Plum come in a variety of packaging sizes to suit every snacking need. You can choose from a compact 70g pack ($3.79) — perfect for on-the-go nibbling or lunchboxes — a 500g bag ($18.95) for regular snackers, or a 1kg value pack ($33.00) ideal for families or serious salty plum enthusiasts. Each pack is sealed to maintain freshness and protect the plums’ signature balance of sweet and salty flavor.
All Pink Lady White Salty Plums are imported directly from China and stocked in Australia through selected specialty stores, including The Salty Plum Store, as well as online marketplaces. Availability may vary depending on your location, but nationwide shipping options mean you can enjoy them anywhere across the country.
2. Red Darwin Seedless Salty Plum
The Red Darwin Seedless Salty Plum is available in a 40g resealable pouch ($4.59) — a handy size for quick snacking or slipping into your bag for travel. This small, seedless format makes it easy to enjoy the tangy-sweet-salty taste without any fuss. The packaging is designed to lock in freshness and maintain the plums’ soft, chewy texture.
Sourced from China, this variety can be found in selected Asian grocery stores across Australia, specialty snack retailers, and online platforms. Stock levels can vary, so ordering online ensures you won’t miss out on this popular treat.
3. The Xie Xie Sweet Plum
Xie Xie Sweet Plum 75g is a tasty and convenient snack that combines natural sweetness with a subtle savory twist. Each pack is carefully crafted from high-quality plums, naturally dried and lightly coated with sugar, salt, and a touch of liquorice to enhance the fruit’s unique flavor profile.
You can enjoy the handy 75g pouch ($3.79), perfect for on-the-go snacking, lunchboxes, or as a quick pick-me-up throughout the day. For those who love a more versatile use, Xie Xie Sweet Plum also works wonderfully as a topping for cereals, smoothies, or yogurt, adding a sweet-and-savory boost to your favorite meals. Every pack is sealed to lock in freshness and ensure the perfect balance of taste in every bite.
All Xie Xie Sweet Plums are imported directly from China and stocked in Australia through selected specialty stores, including TSG Gordonvale, as well as trusted online marketplaces. Availability may vary depending on your location, but with nationwide shipping, you can conveniently enjoy them anywhere across the ountry.
V. How to Enjoy Salted Cured Plums
Salted cured plums are incredibly versatile and can be enjoyed in many ways, depending on the product type and your personal taste preferences.
- Eat them straight: Enjoy right from the pack for a quick and tasty snack. Whole plums like Pink Lady White Salty Plum or Red Darwin Seedless offer either a crunchy or chewy texture depending on your preference.
- Pair with tea or coffee: The sweet, salty, and tangy flavor of the plums pairs perfectly with hot beverages like green tea, jasmine tea, or black coffee, enhancing the overall taste experience.
- Add to meals and desserts: Chop or slice the sweet plums and mix them into yogurt, smoothies, cereals, or even baked goods for a unique flavor twist.
- Take them on the go: The small packaging makes salted plums a convenient snack for travel, picnics, lunchboxes, or quick breaks at the office.
VI. Final Thoughts
Salted cured plums offer a unique blend of sweet, salty, and tangy flavors that make them an irresistible snack for any time of day. Beyond their delicious taste, these plums provide a convenient, satisfying way to refresh your palate, aid digestion, and add a flavorful twist to meals and snacks. Whether you enjoy them on their own, paired with tea, or incorporated into recipes, salted cured plums bring a delightful and versatile experience that caters to a variety of tastes.
When choosing salted cured plums, consider your flavor preferences, texture desires, and usage occasions to find the perfect match. With their rich cultural heritage and growing popularity, salted cured plums are truly a snack worth exploring.
