Prunes are more commonly dried than plums, which helps to give them their sweet flavor. Additionally, the skin of a prune is tougher to bite into compared to the softer skin of a plum. While there may be subtle differences between these two fruits, both offer an array of health benefits when eaten in moderation as part of a balanced diet.

What are prunes?

(Photo by Oleksandr Pidvalnyi: )

Picture of some prunes

Prunes are a type of dried plum. They’re usually darker in colour and have a wrinkled appearance. When plums are dried and then soaked in a liqueur, they’re called prunes. However, not all prunes are made from plums. Some prunes are actually made from other types of stone fruits, such as apricots or peaches.

What are plums?

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Picture of plums

Plums are a type of fruit that belongs to the genus Prunus. The most common plum variety is the European plum (Prunus domestica). Other popular plum varieties include the Japanese plum (Prunus salicina), the damson plum (Prunus insititia), and the American plum (Prunus americana).

Plums are typically oval or spherical in shape, and their skin can range in color from yellow to red to purple. The flesh of a plum is also usually red, purple, or blue in color, and it contains a single large seed. Plums are generally sweet in taste, but they can also be tart or sour.

Plums are a good source of vitamins C and K, as well as dietary fiber. They can be eaten fresh, dried, or canned. In addition to being used in pies and other desserts, plums can also be used for making jams, juices, and wines.

The difference between prunes and plums

Prunes are dried plums that have been cooked or treated with sulfur dioxide. This gives them their characteristic wrinkled appearance. Prunes are smaller and darker than regular plums and have a chewy texture. They are often used in baking and as a health food due to their high fiber content.

Plums are fresh fruit that come in many different colors, including red, purple, and green. They are smaller and sweeter than prunes and have a juicy texture. Plums are a good source of vitamins A and C, as well as potassium.

How to use prunes and plums

Prunes and plums are both fruits that can be eaten dried, fresh, or canned. Prunes are a type of plum and are usually drier and less sweet than other plums. You can use prunes and plums in many different recipes – here are some ideas:

  • Add diced prunes or plums to oatmeal or yogurt for a sweet and nutritious breakfast or snack.
  • Toss diced prunes or plums into a salad for a burst of sweetness.
  • Make a healthy smoothie by blending together prunes, plums, milk, and yogurt.
  • Use prune or plum puree as a natural sweetener in baking recipes.
  • Stewed prunes or plums make a delicious topping for ice cream or pancakes.

Nutritional values of prunes

Prunes, also known as dried plums, are a nutritious and flavorful fruit that is high in fiber, vitamins, and minerals. Here are some of the nutritional values of prunes:

  • Calories: One cup of pitted prunes contains around 418 calories.
  • Carbohydrates: Prunes are high in carbohydrates, with one cup providing around 111 grams.
  • Fiber: Prunes are an excellent source of fiber, with one cup containing around 12 grams. Fiber is essential for maintaining a healthy digestive system and can help lower cholesterol levels.
  • Protein: One cup of prunes contains around 3 grams of protein.
  • Vitamins: Prunes are a good source of vitamins, including vitamin A, vitamin K, and several B vitamins.
  • Minerals: Prunes are rich in minerals, including potassium, magnesium, and iron.

Nutritional values of plums

Plums are an excellent source of vitamins and minerals, including vitamin C, potassium, and fiber. They also contain antioxidants that can help protect against some chronic diseases. Here are some of the key nutritional values of plums:

Vitamin C: Plums are a good source of this essential nutrient. One small plum has about 10% of the recommended daily intake for vitamin C. This vitamin is important for immunity, skin health, and more.

Potassium: Potassium is an electrolyte that helps regulate blood pressure and heart function. It’s also important for muscle contractions and nerve impulses. One small plum has about 5% of the recommended daily intake for potassium.

Fiber: Fiber is important for digestive health and can help promote feelings of fullness after eating. One small plum has about 2 grams of fiber, which is 8% of the recommended daily intake for adults.

Antioxidants: Plums contain antioxidants called polyphenols that can help protect against chronic diseases like heart disease and cancer.

Can I use prunes instead of plums?

Yes, you can use prunes instead of plums in many recipes. Prunes are simply dried plums, so they have a more intense flavor. You may want to reduce the amount of sugar called for in the recipe, since prunes are already quite sweet.

Is it OK to eat prunes everyday?

Yes, it is perfectly fine to eat prunes every day if you enjoy them and they agree with your digestive system. Some people find that prunes can cause or worsen diarrhea, so if you have any issues with loose stools, you may want to limit your consumption or avoid them altogether.

Prunes are dried plums, and they are an excellent source of fiber and antioxidants. Just a few prunes per day can help keep you regular and promote healthy bowel movements. If you have trouble getting enough fiber in your diet, prunes can be a convenient and delicious way to up your intake.

Do prunes and plums taste the same?

Prunes and plums are both fruits that belong to the genus Prunus. While they are similar in many ways, there are also some key differences between these two fruits. For one, prunes are typically drier and have a wrinkled appearance, while plums are juicier and have smooth skin. Additionally, prunes are often used in cooking and baking due to their sweetness, while plums can be eaten raw or cooked.

When it comes to taste, prunes and plums do share some similarities. Both fruits are sweet with a slightly tart flavor. However, prunes are often more intensely sweet than plums due to their higher sugar content. Additionally, prunes tend to have a more complex flavor than plums due to their longer drying time, which concentrates the fruit’s sugars and flavors.

Should you soak prunes before eating?

Prunes are dried plums that have been treated with sulfur dioxide, which gives them their distinctive brown color. They’re often used in baking and cooking because of their intense flavor.

Soaking prunes before eating them can help to rehydrate them and make them more plump and juicy. It can also help to release some of the compounds in the prunes that can contribute to their health benefits.

Featured Image By – Photo by Shahab Vejdanian on Unsplash

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