Dried Prunes

Also known asPrunes · Dried Plums

Name: Prune, or dried plum — the dried fruit of certain firm-fleshed, high-sugar plum varieties in the genus Prunus, most commonly the European plum, Prunus domestica.

Description

Plums are close relatives of peaches and cherries, grown widely for fresh eating as well as for cooking into compotes, jams, and pastries. Not every plum makes a good prune: only varieties with firm flesh and high sugar content dry successfully without fermenting, which is why prune production relies on specific cultivars bred and selected for drying rather than ordinary dessert plums.

These plums are dried whole, either under the sun or in mechanical dehydrators, shrinking the fruit into a dark, wrinkled, chewy form while concentrating its sugars. The word “prune” refers specifically to this dried product; California has long been one of the world's largest producers, alongside France and Chile.

Main nutrition value

Per 100g, dried prunes (uncooked):

Prunes are best known for vitamin K — nearly 60µg per 100g, far more than most dried fruit — along with substantial potassium and fiber, plus a useful amount of starch compared with most other dried fruit.

How best to be consumed

A small serving of 4-5 prunes (around 40g) is plenty given their concentrated calories and fiber; eating them gradually rather than by the handful also gives the fiber time to work without overwhelming digestion. Prunes are traditionally eaten on their own or stewed, and are also used in baking, sauces, and savory dishes, where their sweetness balances richer meats.

Overconsumption could cause…

Prunes are well known for their laxative effect, driven by both their fiber content and natural sorbitol, so eating a large quantity at once can easily cause bloating, cramping, or loose stools, especially for anyone not used to that much fiber. Their sugar content is also worth moderating for people managing blood sugar, even though prunes are somewhat less sugar-dense than many other dried fruits.

GroupsDried FruitsRose family (Rosaceae)High fibreLow sodiumRich in potassiumDried

Made fromPlum

Related foodsDried AppleDried ApricotsDried CherriesDried PeachDried PearCurrants

U.S. Department of Agriculture, FoodData Central — Plums, dried (prunes), uncooked (FDC ID 168162), 100g portion: https://fdc.nal.usda.gov/food-details/168162/nutrients Encyclopaedia Britannica — plum: https://www.britannica.com/topic/prune