Salty Plum 101
Why are salty plums red?
Red salty plums are red because colour is added during processing, not because the fruit is naturally that colour. Makers use permitted food colourings such as allura red (129), carmoisine (122) or tartrazine blends to create the bright scarlet that is especially associated with Darwin's salty plums.
The short answer
Drying and salting darkens plums to brown or near-black. To get a vivid red, producers add food colouring — either by soaking the fruit in a coloured brine or syrup, or by coating the finished plum in a coloured powder. The red is a signature and a selling point. It signals a certain style, especially the Darwin salty plum.
In Australia, food colourings are regulated by Food Standards Australia New Zealand (FSANZ). Only permitted additives can be used, and they must be declared on the label. That is why a red salty plum packet usually lists a colour by name or number.
Common red colours you might see
| Colour | Number | Usually contributes |
|---|---|---|
| Allura red AC | 129 | Deep, vivid red |
| Carmoisine / azorubine | 122 | Raspberry-red tone |
| Tartrazine | 102 | Yellow base, often blended for orange-red |
| Ponceau 4R | 124 | Bright scarlet |
Numbers and permitted uses change over time. The label on the packet in front of you is always the final word.
A brown salty plum can taste every bit as good as a red one. The colour tells you the style, not the quality.
Why Darwin's plums are so red
The deep red salty plum is bound up with Darwin's food culture, where it is sold at markets and shops across the city. The colour made the snack instantly recognisable and gave it a local identity. It is less about the fruit and more about the look people grew up with — read more in the history of salty plums in Darwin.
Does the colour matter for anything else?
Only in that it tells you which ingredients to expect. A coloured plum is more likely to carry colours and preservatives, while a plain dried plum may list very little. If you prefer to skip the dye altogether, look for white salty plums. Neither is automatically better. Our ingredients explained guide walks through the common additives so you can decide what suits you.
Frequently asked
Do all salty plums contain colour?+
No. White salty plums, many li hing mui and most umeboshi carry little or no added colour. Their appearance comes from the fruit itself.
Is red colouring safe?+
Permitted colours have been assessed for use in food by regulators. We are not health professionals and do not give medical advice. If you have sensitivities or specific dietary concerns, check the label and speak with your doctor or dietitian.
Why does my plum bleed red?+
Surface colour can transfer to fingers, napkins or a glass, especially in warm weather or when the plum is damp. It is a normal sign that the plum is dyed rather than naturally red.