Prune
A prune is a dried plum, usually made from specific plum varieties that dry well, especially the European plum (*Prunus domestica*).
A prune is a dried plum, typically made from specific European plum varieties. Known for their chewy texture and sweet flavour, prunes are valued for their high fibre content and nutrients.
What it is
Prunes are dried plums, most commonly from the European plum (*Prunus domestica*). In botanical terms, the fresh fruit is a drupe, and only certain plum varieties with high sugar content are traditionally dried into prunes. They are not a separate species of fruit.
Why it matters
Prunes are known for their high dietary fibre content, which supports digestive health. They also provide vitamin K, potassium, copper, and antioxidant compounds like polyphenols. These nutrients contribute to bone health, blood pressure regulation, and overall wellness.
Key details
Prunes are eaten as a snack, used in baking, cooking, and processed into juice or puree. They have a chewy texture and sweet to sweet-savory flavour. Store in a pantry for about 6 months or refrigerated for up to 1 year. In Canada, prunes are widely available, often imported from California.
In short
- Prunes are dried plums, not a separate fruit.
- High in fibre, vitamin K, potassium, and copper.
- Used in snacking, baking, cooking, and juice.
- Store for months; widely available in Canada.
Prunes are sold widely in Canadian grocery stores and are commonly imported or packaged for retail consumption in Canada; California is a major global producer, so Canadian supply is often linked to North American production and trade.[15][17]
Quick questions
What is a prune?
Are all plums prunes?
What nutrients are prunes known for?
Sources
- WebMD — https://www.webmd.com/diet/prunes-health-benefitsSupports: Prunes are dried plums; texture, flavour, storage, and general nutrition/health notes.
- ScienceDirect Topics — https://www.sciencedirect.com/topics/food-science/pruneSupports: Prunes belong to the plum family in Rosaceae and the genus Prunus.
- Britannica Kids — https://kids.britannica.com/students/article/prune/276561Supports: Prunes as dried plums and general culinary uses and nutrient profile.
- Health — https://www.health.com/prunes-benefits-8552184Supports: Prunes are dried plums from Prunus domestica and can be sold whole or as juice/puree.
- California Prunes — https://www.californiaprunes.org/healthy-living/benefits-of-prunes/Supports: Serving size, fibre, vitamin K, potassium, and other nutrient claims.
- EBSCO Research Starters — https://www.ebsco.com/research-starters/health-and-medicine/prunesSupports: General definition, typical appearance, and nutrient profile.
- AARP — https://www.aarp.org/health/healthy-living/prunes-health-benefits/Supports: Prunes as dried plums, varieties that dry well, and California production share.