Prunes Vs. Plums

The confusion about prunes and plums is so prominent, and a lot of people aren't aware of the basics that constitute these two fruits. Though the answer is simple, that prunes are typically dried plums, people still aren't too sure. Look it up online and you have different websites, each telling you one new thing about prunes and plums, so you obviously don't really know which one to believe. So here is an overview of prunes vs. plums, and what they are good for.

What is the Difference between Prunes and Plums?

As has already been mentioned, prunes are simply dried plums. However, there is still a little difference, and we will explain this here.

• Plums that have been dried to make prunes are of a specific European variety, and not all plum varieties are dried to make prunes.
• This variety of plums is higher in fiber than other varieties, and is therefore easier to dry and the high fiber may have greater health benefits on the body.
• Because prunes have been associated with foods for the older generation (particularly for those suffering from constipation) and therefore not happily consumed by youngsters, these were renamed dried plums by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in the year 2001.
• Calling prunes dried plums has thus made them more marketable to all age groups.
• A prune may also be a fruit separate from a plum. Specific varieties such as Italian prunes are grown as prunes (also known as prune plums) and then dried to package them. As such, the dried prune was once a fresh prune and not the actual plum.
• These prunes are different from plums in that the fruit does not stick to the seed in them and can be separated easily. On the other hand, the flesh of plums sticks to the seed and cannot be separated as easily.
• When you see prune juice and plum juice in a supermarket, the difference lies in the fact that prune juice is dried plum juice, while plum juice is extracted from the fresh fruit. Both taste quite different from each other.

Prunes are sticky and chewy, while plums are fresh and juicy. The shriveled look of prunes is a stark contrast from the taut, bright skin that plums have. These are only differences in appearance, and as mentioned earlier, prunes may be a healthier choice because they have been dehydrated and the concentration of nutrients in them is greater. However, dehydration also increases the sugar concentration in prunes (as some amount of fermentation occurs thereby creating sugars) and may make them higher in calories than fresh plums. They should therefore be eaten in limited amounts to attain maximum health benefits. There is no great difference in the nutritional profile of prunes and plums. Both are great sources of dietary fiber, vitamins A and C, potassium and antioxidants.

Some of you may be concerned about the kind of prunes that you have been consuming, in that since they are packaged, they may have preservatives. This is a genuine concern and you will have to look out for prunes that do not have preservatives or any other additives (such as powdered sugar to enhance their sweetness) to them. A lot of people believe that eating the fresh fruit may be a better choice than its dried counterpart. While this is a natural thought process, it may not always hold true in the case of prunes and plums. The nutritional value of prunes is immense, as are the health benefits it offers. It is a great food to consume not only when you suffer from constipation, but also if you are trying to lose weight. The high fiber in this fruit keeps you fuller for longer and reduces occurrences of binge eating. In effect, this is not an attempt to say that plums should not be consumed, but just that prunes also offer a lot in terms of health.

So this is how prunes are different from plums, though they are merely their dried varieties. Hopefully the difference is now clear to you. Enjoy both prunes and plums not only for their health benefits, but the deliciously different flavors that they have to offer.

Disclaimer: This article is an attempt to classify prunes vs. plums in terms of their growth and physical characteristics, and does not in any way advocate the benefit of one over the other. To understand the difference in the nutritional value that prunes and plums have to offer, and which one may be a better choice for consumption, consult a certified nutrition expert.