Dried plums, or prunes, are made from high-sugar plum varieties and are often labeled as prunes for marketing purposes. They are a healthy snack, rich in fiber, antioxidants, and nutrients, and can be used in a variety of recipes. They do not contain chemical preservatives and can be stored for a long time.
Dried plums are fresh plums that have been dried naturally in the sun or in a dehydrator, without undergoing any fermentation process. They are made with plum varieties selected for their high sugar content; in the United States, the most common plums for producing dehydrated fruit are grown in California. Generally, it takes at least three to four pounds of fresh plums to produce one pound of dried fruit. From the effective selling point, prunes are often labeled prunes as this nomenclature seems to appeal more to buyers.
Unlike other dehydrated or processed foods, prunes usually don’t contain any type of chemical preservatives. At most, potassium sorbate can be sprayed on the fruit to protect it from developing mold or yeast. Sulphating agents that prevent darkening are unnecessary and therefore are not used with plums that are already dark.
Dry foods like prunes can be eaten straight from the packet as dry snacks. They can also be added as a side dish in salads, cereals, breads and cakes. There are many different vegetarian and non-vegetarian recipes for cooking with prunes, and they can be a delicious addition to stuffed vegetables, meat dumplings, rice dishes, stews, soups, and much more. Prunes can also be added to ice cream, milkshakes and desserts.
Like many other dried fruits, prunes are excellent for digestion. They contain soluble and insoluble fiber and sorbitol, a natural sugar. The fiber in prunes helps with the absorption of important nutrients and in stool formation, and the sorbitol promotes the growth of essential and beneficial microorganisms in the intestines.
Another benefit of dried fruits like prunes is that they are rich in antioxidants, iron, vitamin A, magnesium, potassium and boron. They are excellent for maintaining healthy blood sugar and cholesterol levels. They are also useful for keeping the skin well nourished and for slowing down the skin aging process; Regular intake of prunes is known to reduce the formation of wrinkles. Dried plums are also highly recommended for people suffering from arthritis as they have anti-inflammatory properties.
Like most non-perishable foods, prunes can be stored safely for a long time in a cool, dry place at a constant temperature. It is recommended to check the expiration date on the packaging during the purchase. A packet that has been opened should be kept refrigerated and should ideally be used up within a month.
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