Sugarplums are a type of dragée or other hard candy made into small round or oval shapes. [1] The plum in the name of these confections does not always mean plum in the sense of the fruit, but rather their small size and spherical or oval shape. Sugarplums are descendants of plum varieties transported from Asia and Syria to the Mediterranean, evolving via grafting onto European plum rootstock. These plums spread across Europe as prized travel snacks due to their durability and dried nutrition. · What are sugarplums? Sugarplums are one of the classic holiday treats made with dried fruits like prunes (or dried plums), dates and cranberries. Despite the name, they aren't actually plums. · Instead, a sugarplum is a piece of hard candy made of hardened sugar coating and a seed, nut, or spice, not a plum or another fruit. In fact, part of the name, "plum," refers to its small size and oval shape, not its taste. This sweet treat was tricky to make when it was were popular. · Sugarplums are a type of fruit known for their sweet and tart flavor, firm red-purple color, and small to medium size. But what exactly is a sugarplum? Let’s dive into its definition, origins, and characteristics. · In recent years, opportunistic brands have created candies shaped like plums with plum flavoring and marketed them as “sugarplums,” especially around the holiday season. · These days, the term sugarplum generally refers to a confection made of dried fruit and rolled into balls. As such, they're easy to make especially if you have a food processor.