Prune
Dried plum
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Through Fermentation, Dietary fiber and Carbohydrate
Most prunes are freestone cultivars (i.e., the pit is easy to remove), whereas most plums grown for fresh consumption are clingstone (the pit is more difficult to remove). The sorbitol content along with dietary fiber likely provide the laxative effect associated with consuming prunes. Prunes are 64% carbohydrates, including dietary fiber, 2% protein, a rich source of vitamin K, and a moderate source of B vitamins and dietary minerals.
Production
More than 1,000 plum cultivars are grown for drying. The main cultivar grown in the United States is the 'Improved French' prune. Other varieties include 'Sutter', 'Tulare Giant', 'Moyer', 'Imperial', 'Italian', and greengages. Fresh prunes reach the market earlier than fresh plums and are usually smaller in size. The great majority of commercially grown prune varieties are self-fertile and do not need separate pollinator trees.
Name change
In 2001, plum growers in the United States were authorized by the Food and Drug Administration to call prunes "dried plums". Due to a perception that prunes relieve constipation (perceived as derogatory), some distributors stopped using the word "prune" on packaging labels in favor of "dried plums".
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Health effects
Prunes contain dietary fiber (about 7% of weight) which may provide laxative effects, but prune juice also has a laxative effect without containing fiber. Their sorbitol content may also be responsible for this, a conclusion reached in a 2012 review by the European Food Safety Authority. The report also demonstrated that prunes effectively contribute to the maintenance of normal bowel function in the general population if consumed in quantities of at least 100 grams (3.5 oz) per day. Neochlorogenic acid and chlorogenic acid may also contribute to the laxative effect.
Nutrition
Prunes are 31% water, 64% carbohydrates, 2% protein, and less than 1% fat (table). In a reference amount of 100 g (3.5 oz), prunes supply 240 calories, 7 grams of dietary fiber, and are a rich source of vitamin K (50% of the Daily Value, DV), copper (31% DV), and potassium (24% DV), with several B vitamins (12-14% DV) and other dietary minerals in moderate content (10–13% DV) (table).
Phytochemicals
Prunes and prune juice contain phytochemicals, including phenolic compounds (mainly as neochlorogenic acids and chlorogenic acids) and sorbitol.
Uses
Prunes are used in preparing both sweet and savory dishes.
Contrary to the name, boiled plums or prunes are not used to make sugar plums, which instead may be nuts, seeds, or spices coated with hard sugar, also called comfits.