Plums - most traditional fruit of Serbia

Plums are considered one of Serbia's most traditional fruit. The fact that there are about 42.5 million plum trees in Serbia is the best single indicator of how popular plums are. Not only are there many plum trees in Serbia, but every tree yields approximately 13.3 kilograms. In overall terms, more than 600 thousand tons of plums were produced in Serbia in 2006.
There are nine basic types of plums grown in Serbia: Stanley, Madarka, Pozegaca, Cacak Beauty, Cacak Best, Cacak Rich, Denerika, Ringlov and Trnovaca. Most of the plums grown are of the Stanley type, which is understandable considering that this particular type of plum is suitable for both fresh consumption and processing. However, locally developed varieties from the Cacak range are also very popular. These plum types, which are named after the city of Cacak in central Serbia, are well known beyond the borders of Serbia and grown in other parts of the world.
Apart from being sold fresh, Serbian plums are also often processed. Plums are used in the production of sljivovica, a traditional Serbian plum brandy. In 2006, sljivovica production exceeded 500.000 liters. Dried plums are also a speciality of Serbia but most people, and children in particular, would claim that plum jams and preserves are the most delicious types of processed plum products.
Out of total exports, fresh and dried plums account for 74% and 23% respectively.