Soor ploom facts for kids
| Type | Confectionery |
|---|---|
| Place of origin | Scotland |
| Region or state | Galashiels |
A Soor ploom is a type of hard, boiled candy from Scotland. The name means "sour plum" in the Scots language. These candies are round and green with a sharp, sour taste. They are often sold loose in paper bags, traditionally measured in "quarters" (a quarter of a pound). Soor plooms are a popular treat, especially in the town of Galashiels, where they first came from.
Contents
What Are Soor Plooms?
Soor plooms are a kind of confectionery, which is another word for candy or sweets. They are known for their pale green color and their slightly sour flavor. Many people in Scotland remember them as a favorite candy from their childhood.
The Taste and Look
These candies have a strong, tangy taste that makes your mouth pucker a little! They are a light green color and have a smooth, hard texture. Because they are boiled sweets, they last a long time in your mouth as you slowly enjoy them.
The Story Behind Soor Plooms
The history of Soor plooms goes back a very long time, all the way to the year 1337. The candy is linked to a small fight or "skirmish" that happened near Galashiels.
A Sweet Origin Story
The story tells of a group of raiders from England who came into Scotland. They were found eating unripe, sour plums near Galashiels. Local Scottish men surprised them during this time. The Soor ploom candy was created to remember this event. It connects the sour taste of the unripe plums to the historical moment.
Soor Plooms in Culture
Soor plooms are more than just a candy; they are a part of Scottish culture and history. They are especially important to the town of Galashiels.
A Town's Motto
The phrase "Soor Plooms" is actually the official motto for the town of Galashiels. This shows how much the candy and its history mean to the people there.
Featured in Cartoons
These famous candies have even appeared in popular Scottish cartoons. You might see them mentioned in Oor Wullie and The Broons. These cartoons are well-loved by many Scottish families.
A Historic Tune
There is also an old pipe tune from the 1700s called "Soor Plooms of Galashiels." This traditional music piece further highlights the long history and cultural importance of this unique Scottish sweet.
