FAQs

So…is it dried plums, or is it prunes?

We are California Prunes! While California Prunes have sometimes been referred to as California Dried Plums in the past, we are returning to our roots, embracing our essence and proclaiming the wonders of California Prunes with pride.

What makes California Prunes so special?

Everything! It’s the legendary Petit d’Agen plum that was brought to California from France during the Gold Rush and grafted onto wild American plum stock. It’s the long growing seasons in California’s lush valleys with rich soil warmed by a steady sun. It’s the hundreds of farmers who hand-tend each tree to cultivate the perfect fruit. It’s the most rigorous farming standards of any place on earth. It’s the practice of drying prunes in climate-controlled tunnels, which California farmers have honed into a precise art, balancing temperature, humidity and time. It is all of these things combined that make a prune a California Prune.

How can I buy California Prunes?

California Prunes are a very versatile fruit available in retail stores in various forms including whole prunes, pitted prunes, diced prunes, and prune juice. You can find prunes in the bulk and baking aisles at most retail stores.

How should I store California Prunes at home?

Once a package of California Prunes has been opened, it should be resealed and stored under cool, dry conditions. Sealing the unused prunes in an airtight container and storing them in the refrigerator will also help keep them moist and juicy.

Prunes are famous for gut health – why is that?

Good gut health is key to overall health and prunes contribute to digestive health in several ways, delivering fibre and sorbitol. 100g daily contributes to normal bowel function.

What is the suggested serving size of prunes?

One serving of 4-5 prunes (38g) contains less than 100 calories, 2.7g fibre, 280mg potassium, 23mcg vitamin K, no added sugar (prunes contain naturally occurring sugars only), and no salt or fat.

Are prunes good for more than just digestive health?

Yes! Prunes are good for your gut and even your bones. Prunes are high in fibre and other nutrients which support good gut health, with 100g daily contributing to normal bowel function.

Prunes are also:

  • high in vitamin K,and are a source of manganese, which contributes to the maintenance of normal bones. They’re also high in potassium, which contribute to the maintenance of normal blood pressure;
  • a source of vitamin B6, which contributes to the normal function of the immune system and the reduction of tiredness and fatigue;
  • a source of copper, which contributes to normal hair and skin pigmentation, and to the protection of cells from oxidative stress.

Nutrition information

Can I cook with prunes?

Whole, diced, or puréed, they go with proteins and grains, on salads and cereals, and in sauces and baked goods. Prunes are surprisingly versatile as an ingredient in savoury and sweet dishes. And, because of their natural sweetness and moisture content, you can reduce sugar and even oil in recipes made with prunes and prune purée. Try adding prune purée to your next batch of chocolate chip cookies for that perfectly soft-baked texture, toss some diced prunes into your next salad for a sweet and chewy bite, or blend prunes with vinegar and herbs for a surprisingly delicious pizza sauce – the possibilities are endless!

Do prunes pair well with other foods?

California Prunes taste – and pair – like no other prunes in the world. The fruit’s earthy, umami qualities pair with salty, acidic and fermented ingredients such as olives, capers, vinegar and tamari. Prunes also pair very well in recipes that utilize rich and complex flavour notes – like espresso, chocolate and Chillies. Experiment with prunes and find your own Favourite unexpected prune flavour combinations. Find more prune flavour pairing inspiration here.