Hog Plum: 8 Benefits, Nutrition & Recipes

The hog plum, also known as ciriguela, red cajá or Spanish plum, is a fruit rich in fiber that helps reduce the absorption of sugar, which can help regulate blood glucose levels and prevent insulin resistance and diabetes.

In addition, hog plum is also high in vitamin C, flavonoids and carotenoids, bioactive compounds with antioxidant properties that protect healthy cells from damage caused by free radicals, helping to prevent conditions like premature aging, cancer and cardiovascular problems.

Hog plum can range in color from green, yellow and orange to red, with a sweet and slightly tart flavor. It is sold at markets and grocery stores and can be eaten fresh or used in juices, sauces, jams and ice cream.

Health benefits

The main benefits of hog plum are:

1. Relieves constipation

Because it is rich in water and fiber, hog plum helps increase water absorption in the intestines, hydrating and softening the stool, which can help relieve constipation.

2. Helps prevent diabetes

Hog plum is high in vitamin C and flavonoids, bioactive compounds with strong antioxidant action that help strengthen and protect the pancreas cells from free radical damage, maintaining insulin balance and helping prevent insulin resistance and diabetes.

3. Helps combat anemia

Because it is high in vitamin C, a vitamin that improves the absorption of iron from foods, hog plum can help combat anemia.

4. Aids weight loss

Hog plum is high in fiber that helps prolong the feeling of fullness, reducing appetite throughout the day. It is also low in calories, making it a great option to include in weight-loss diets.

5. Prevents premature aging

Hog plum helps prevent premature aging because it is rich in flavonoids, carotenoids and vitamin C, potent antioxidants that reduce the formation of free radicals in the body. Free radicals can damage skin cells and lead to sagging and wrinkles.

6. Reduces cholesterol

Because it contains fiber, hog plum can help decrease the absorption of dietary fat, reducing levels of “bad” LDL cholesterol in the blood and preventing conditions like atherosclerosis, heart attack and stroke.

The antioxidants in hog plum also prevent the oxidation of fat cells, helping to balance total cholesterol and triglyceride levels in the blood.

7. Prevents high blood pressure

Hog plum is rich in flavonoids, compounds with anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties that improve artery health and elasticity, which helps with blood circulation and blood pressure control.

In addition, hog plum also contains potassium, a mineral that helps eliminate excess sodium from the body through urine, which can help prevent high blood pressure.

8. Strengthens the immune system

Because it is rich in antioxidant compounds like vitamin C, carotenoids and flavonoids, hog plum strengthens the cells of the immune system, helping the body fight microorganisms and prevent conditions like allergies, colds and flu.

Nutritional information

The table below shows the nutritional information for 100 g, which is equivalent to approximately 5 hog plums:

To get the full benefits of hog plum, it is important to maintain a balanced diet and engage in regular physical activity.

How to eat

Hog plum can be eaten fresh, preferably with the peel, or used in preparations like liqueurs, juices, jams, sauces and ice creams. In addition, the roasted flour made from the seed can also be used to make cakes or cookies.

The leaves of the hog plum tree are commonly used in teas, but there is no scientific evidence to support the benefits, side effects or contraindications of using the leaves.

Healthy hog plum recipes

Some healthy and tasty recipes with hog plum are:

1. Hog plum cake

Ingredients:

• 1 ½ cups of hog plum pulp without the seed

• ½ cup of olive oil or coconut oil

• 3 eggs

• 1 tablespoon of a baking sweetener or 1 cup of brown sugar

• 3 cups of wheat flour

• 1 tablespoon of baking powder

Preparation:
Wash the hog plums well and remove the seeds by hand. Place the pulp and peel, eggs, olive or coconut oil and sugar in a blender. Blend until the mixture is smooth, transfer it to a bowl and slowly fold in the flour using a spatula or spoon.

Add the baking powder and mix well into the batter. Transfer the batter to a greased baking dish and bake in a preheated oven at 350 ºF (180 ºC) for 30 to 40 minutes.

2. Hog plum juice

Ingredients:

• 400 g of hog plum

• 1 liter of filtered or boiled water

• Ice cubes to taste

Preparation:
Wash the hog plums well and remove the seeds. Place the pulp and peel in a blender with the water and blend well. Add the ice cubes, blend again until creamy and serve.

3. Hog plum herb sauce

Ingredients:

• 200 g of hog plum

• ½ cup of dry white wine

• 2 tablespoons of sugar

• 6 sprigs of parsley

• 8 sage leaves

• 6 sprigs of thyme

• 5 tablespoons of olive oil

• 1 cup of water

• Salt and black pepper to taste

Preparation:
Wash, dry and chop the parsley, sage and thyme leaves and set aside. Wash the hog plums well and remove the seeds. Blend the pulp and peel with the wine, sugar and water in a blender until smooth and set aside.

In a saucepan, heat the olive oil and sauté the chopped herbs over medium heat for 2 minutes, stirring constantly. Add the hog plum mixture, pepper and salt to the pan. Cook, stirring occasionally, for 3 minutes or until the sauce is thick. Remove from heat and serve the sauce with meat or vegetables.