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, usually made from specific plum varieties that dry well, especially the European plum (*Prunus domestica*). Prunes are eaten as a snack and used in cooking, and they are known for their chewy texture, sweet flavour, and high fibre content. They are also a source of vitamins, minerals, and polyphenols.

Definition and botany

Prunes are dried forms of plums, most commonly from the European plum (*Prunus domestica*). In botanical terms, the fresh fruit is a drupe, and only certain plum varieties are traditionally dried into prunes.

Nutrition

Prunes contain dietary fibre and several micronutrients, especially vitamin K and potassium, with smaller amounts of copper, vitamin C, and other vitamins and minerals. They are also noted for antioxidant compounds such as polyphenols.

Culinary uses

Prunes are eaten as a snack and used in recipes, including baked goods, savoury dishes, jams, and desserts. They are also processed into products such as prune juice and prune puree.

Storage and characteristics

Prunes are typically dark red-brown to black, with a chewy texture and sweet or sweet-savory flavour. They keep longer than fresh plums, often for months in a pantry and longer when refrigerated.

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.