What Are Dried Plums?
Dried plums, also known as prunes, are dried fruit made from certain varieties of plum (Prunus domestica). Plum varieties with a high sugar content that are suited to drying are grown especially for this purpose.
During drying, the fruit shrinks, its texture becomes soft and sticky, and its flavor develops a pronounced sweet-tart balance.
Dried Plum Nutrition Facts
Per 100 g, dried plums contain about 240 kcal, 63.9 g of carbohydrates, and 7.1 g of fiber. They are also a rich source of potassium.
What Are the Benefits of Dried Plums?
With their high fiber and potassium content, dried plums are among the dried fruits that can be part of a balanced diet. Studies have examined how their fiber content contributes to regular digestion; dried plums are among the most studied dried fruits in this area.
This information is general; dried plums are a food, not a substitute for medical treatment. Because they are high in sugar and fiber, one handful per day (about 30 g, 4–5 pieces) is recommended; eating too many may cause digestive discomfort.
How to Choose Dried Plums
Good-quality dried plums should have a soft, flexible texture and a dark purple-black color.
- Pieces that have become excessively hard may be old.
- Sticky clumps indicate storage in a damp environment.
- Do not eat them if they have mold spots or a sour smell.
How to Store Dried Plums
Dried plums stay fresh for 6–12 months in an airtight container in a cool, dry place. Because they can become sticky and may develop mold in damp conditions, store them in a dry pantry.
How to Use Dried Plums in the Kitchen
Dried plums can be eaten as a snack, used in compotes and desserts, added to lamb or beef dishes for a sweet-tart balance, or mixed into breakfast muesli.
How to Make Dried Plum Compote
Soak the dried plums in water until softened, then simmer them with a little sugar for 15–20 minutes to make compote. Adding cinnamon enhances its aroma.
How to Make a Meat Dish with Dried Plums
Add dried plums near the end of cooking to cubed meat or lamb tas kebabı (stew) to create a sweet-tart balance; as they cook, the plums release their juices and thicken the sauce.
Which Recipes Use Dried Plums?
Plum compote, lamb stew with dried plums, muesli mixes, plum cake, and sweet-tart sauces are among the best-known uses for dried plums.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many dried plums should you eat per day?
As a general guideline, one handful per day (about 30 g, 4–5 pieces) is considered sufficient; eating too many may cause digestive discomfort.
Are dried plums good for digestion?
Dried plums are among the most studied dried fruits for their contribution to regular digestion because they contain fiber and sorbitol; this is not a treatment claim, and eating too many may cause discomfort.
What is the difference between dried plums and dried apricots?
Dried plums are darker, have a soft, sticky texture, and a distinctly tart flavor; dried apricots are more orange and have a different flavor profile. Both are used in different recipes.
Do dried plums and fresh plums differ in nutritional value?
Because water is lost during drying, nutrients and sugars become more concentrated. By equal weight, dried plums contain far more calories, fiber, and potassium than fresh plums.
Are dried plums sold with the pits?
Dried plums are sold both pitted and unpitted; pitted ones are more convenient when preparing recipes.