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Rutgers Ultra Niche Crops | Beach Plum | Live Stream

Summary

This recorded discussion examines the production, handling, and commercialization of beach plums, with a focus on post-harvest storage, processing, and long-term market development. Speakers address freezing practices, noting that beach plums can be successfully stored for up to two years with minimal quality loss due to their thick skins, especially when used for maceration, jams, jellies, and other processed products. The conversation highlights challenges posed by genetic diversity in wild beach plum populations, including inconsistent ripening, variable fruit quality, and biennial bearing, which complicate harvesting, spray schedules, and fresh market potential. Ongoing efforts to reduce variability through clonal selections, grafting onto alternative rootstocks, and collaboration with Rutgers University are discussed as key steps toward commercialization. Marketing challenges are also explored, emphasizing the importance of local and artisanal branding, strong grower processor relationships, and consumer education to build demand for a niche crop with limited and unpredictable supply.