About Chinese Plums

The ancient Chinese observed plum blossoms thriving in the winter and came to believe that they can impart energy to survive harsh environments. Plums became an auspicious symbol and assumed an important role in Chinese literature and art. Unlike their Western purplish-blue cousins, plums used in Chinese cuisine are orange-red in color, relatively larger, sweeter, and more juicy.

The presence of plum pits in a 3,000-year-old tomb from the Shang Dynasty (1766-1122 B.C.) have led historians to speculate that the fruit may have been popular in Chinese culture for over three millennia. In addition, ancient herbal texts describe the derivation of cough medicine from plums by smoking them until black and then mixing with various herbs.

Plum Sauce in the Kitchen

Sweet with a jam-like consistency, plum sauce is a staple in Chinese cooking. This conserve can be used as a dip for egg rolls, spareribs and roast duck or as a marinade for pork ribs and braised duck, and its fruity flavor enhances stir-fries. Wonderful for basting turkeys, hams, and red meats of all kinds, it may even be spread on toast and enjoyed with ice cream.

Pat Chun's Plum Sauce

The juiciest fresh Chinese plums have been simmered with Pat Chun's signature Rice Vinegar, fresh ginger and a touch of chili to make Pat Chun's Plum Sauce. The sauce preserves this legendary fruit's full flavor while adding a hint of sweet and sour. Using all natural ingredients, Pat Chun's Plum Sauce does not contain fillers, gums or preservatives.

About Pat Chun

Established in 1932, Pat Chun recently celebrated its 70th anniversary and remains the premier manufacturer of brewed oriental sauces and condiments. Combining traditional brewing methods with state-of-the-art technologies to bring out the best in Pat Chun's generations-old recipes, our sauces retain the wholesome goodness and superior flavor of the basic ingredients. 100% owned by the Ng family, management of the company has now passed on to the third generation. Pat Chun's range of over 50 products includes its signature sweetened vinegar, the Thousand Autumns premier brand, specialty vinegar products, soy sauce, oyster sauce, chili sauce and Worchester sauce. Our products are available in Hong Kong (with four specialty stores), China, throughout Asia, Australia, Canada, the United States of America and Europe.

Back to Top