What is the difference between a plum and a prune?
Dehydration. Simply said, a prune is a dried version of a plum. Prunes have long been recognized for easing constipation. Plums can help prevent chronic ailments. Either way, fresh or dried, the fruit offers health benefits when eaten as part of a meal or as a treat.
Fruit Is a Key Dietary Ingredient
Plums and prunes, along with other fruits, are a good source of fiber, vitamins, minerals and antioxidants. Eating plums can help with blood sugar control and reduce risks of osteoporosis, cancer and diabetes, studies have shown. This fruit may aid in heart health, based on the potential for reducing cholesterol and high blood pressure.
Lack of fiber, insufficient fluids and the side-effects of medication are among factors that can contribute to constipation and other health issues. As years notch up, a mature person may need to adjust lifestyle practices and diet to maintain digestive health and reduce the risks of chronic medical conditions.
Mature adults may feel less thirsty as they age, according to the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases. Remembering to eat fruit daily and drink fluids throughout the day can help maintain the body’s fluid balance and aid in digestive regularity. Other tips for a healthful diet are to eat fiber-rich breads, beans and fruits and to avoid fried foods.
Plums and Prunes Are Rich in Nutrients
Nutritionists praise plums as a good source of vitamins A, C, and K, plus minerals such as calcium, potassium and phosphorus.
A medium-sized plum has about 30 calories and 8 grams of carbohydrate, including 1 gram of dietary fiber and 7 grams of sugar. A cup of sliced plums has about 75 calories, with 1 gram of protein and less than 1 gram of fat.
Prunes are richer in calories, with five prunes weighing in at about 115 calories.
Plums Are Available in Different Varieties
Plums, which grow on trees, are in season during the summer. There are many varieties of this fruit, which come in shades of purple, red, yellow and green. In the United States, plums are grown primarily in California, Washington, Idaho and Michigan, among other areas in the Great Lakes region of the Northeast.
Plums are described as a stone fruit because of the pit in the center. Other stone fruits are peaches, nectarines, cherries and mangoes. These fruits also can be dried and turned into sweet snacking morsels.
Plums and Prunes Are a Treat Alone or in a Recipe
The natural sweetness of plums may be countered by a tartness. Plums can be eaten as they are. They also can be added to salads, cooked dishes and beverages.
Prunes, sometimes called a dried plum, can be eaten right out of a package. The prune boasts an intense, darker sweet flavor. Prunes also are available as a juice. They may be stewed or served in a main dish.
In some baked desserts, prunes and plums take a leading role.
Besides variety, color and presentation at the table, the difference between a plum and a prune is a matter of dehydration. Dried or fresh, the fruit is delicious and a key to healthful diet and digestive regularity.
