Plums vs. Prunes: What's the Difference?
Edited by Janet White || By Harlon Moss || Published on January 4, 2024
Plums are fresh fruits, while prunes are dried plums.
Key Differences
Plums are juicy, fresh fruits known for their variety in size, color, and taste. Prunes, on the other hand, are plums that have been dried naturally in the sun or through an artificial process.
Plums are rich in vitamins, antioxidants, and dietary fiber when fresh. Prunes retain most nutrients but have a higher concentration of fiber, sugars, and calories due to the drying process.
Fresh plums are versatile in culinary uses, ranging from raw consumption to baking and sauces. Prunes are often used in baking, cooking, or as a snack, praised for their natural sweetness and chewy texture.
Plums offer hydration and lower-calorie snacking options. Prunes provide benefits for digestive health due to their high fiber content and are often used as a natural remedy for constipation.
Plums require refrigeration and have a shorter shelf life. Prunes, with their reduced moisture content, can be stored for longer periods at room temperature.
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Comparison Chart
State
Fresh
Dried
Moisture Content
High
Low
Shelf Life
Short, requires refrigeration
Long, stable at room temperature
Sugar Concentration
Lower
Higher due to drying
Culinary Uses
Versatile, used fresh
Mostly used in dried form
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Plums and Prunes Definitions
Plums
Used to express mild surprise or dismay.
Oh, plums! I forgot to call her back.
Prunes
Dried plums, known for their sweet flavor and chewy texture.
He added prunes to the stew for a sweet twist.
Plums
Denoting something of high quality.
The performance last night was simply plums.
Prunes
Formerly used to mean grooming oneself carefully.
He prunes himself before every important meeting.
Plums
Something highly desirable or enviable.
Landing that job was absolutely plums for him.
Prunes
To trim by cutting away dead or overgrown branches or stems.
She prunes the bushes every spring.
Plums
A deep, rich purple color.
She painted the room in shades of plums.
Prunes
Used to describe a facial expression of disapproval or displeasure.
She gave a prunes look when she saw the mess.
Plums
A juicy fruit with a variety of colors and sizes.
She added fresh plums to her morning cereal.
Prunes
To reduce something by removing superfluous or unwanted parts.
The editor prunes the article to fit the word limit.
Plums
Any of several shrubs or small trees of the genus Prunus of the rose family, especially the cultivated species P. domestica and P. salicina, bearing smooth-skinned, fleshy, edible fruit with a single stone.
Prunes
The partially dried fruit of any of several varieties of the common plum, Prunus domestica.
Plums
The fruit of any of these trees.
Prunes
Any kind of plum that can be dried without spoiling.
Plums
Any of several trees bearing plumlike fruit.
Prunes
(Slang) An ill-tempered, stupid, or incompetent person.
Plums
The fruit of such a tree.
Prunes
To make a facial expression exhibiting ill temper or disgust
“Their faces prune at the slightest provocation” (James Wolcott).
Plums
A raisin, when added to a pudding or cake.
Prunes
To cut off or remove dead or living parts or branches of (a plant, for example) to improve shape or growth.
Plums
A sugarplum.
Prunes
To remove or cut out as superfluous.
Plums
A dark purple to deep reddish purple.
Prunes
To reduce
Prune a budget.
Plums
An especially desirable position, assignment, or reward
An ambassadorship granted as a political plum.
Prunes
To remove what is superfluous or undesirable.
Plums
Plural of plum
Prunes
Plural of prune
Prunes
Infl of prune
FAQs
What are prunes?
Prunes are dried plums, typically sweeter and chewier than their fresh counterparts.
Are prunes as nutritious as plums?
Yes, prunes retain most nutrients of plums but have higher sugar and fiber content.
Can all plums be made into prunes?
Not all varieties of plums are suitable for making prunes; some specific types are preferred.
Do plums and prunes have the same taste?
No, prunes are generally sweeter and have a different texture compared to fresh plums.
How should plums be stored?
Plums should be stored in the refrigerator to extend their shelf life.
How should prunes be stored?
Prunes can be stored in a cool, dry place at room temperature.
Are prunes only eaten as a snack?
No, prunes can also be used in cooking, baking, and as a sweetener.
Are plums good for weight loss?
Plums can be part of a weight loss diet due to their low-calorie content and high fiber.
Can you cook with fresh plums?
Yes, fresh plums can be used in a variety of cooking and baking recipes.
What are plums?
Plums are a variety of fresh fruit known for their juiciness and range of colors.
Can plums help with hydration?
Yes, their high water content makes plums a good choice for hydration.
Do plums come in different varieties?
Yes, there are several varieties of plums, differing in size, color, and taste.
Can diabetics eat prunes?
Diabetics can eat prunes but should be mindful of the portion size due to sugar content.
Can prunes be rehydrated?
Yes, prunes can be rehydrated by soaking them in water or other liquids.
Are prunes good for digestion?
Yes, the high fiber content in prunes makes them beneficial for digestive health.
Is there a best time to eat plums?
Plums can be enjoyed anytime, though they're often eaten as a snack or in breakfast.
Are dried plums and prunes the same?
Yes, the term 'prunes' commonly refers to dried plums.
Is it easy to make prunes at home?
Yes, you can make prunes by drying plums in the sun or in an oven at a low temperature.
Do both plums and prunes contain antioxidants?
Yes, both contain antioxidants, though the type and concentration may vary.
Can eating prunes cause weight gain?
Eating prunes in moderation should not cause weight gain, despite their higher sugar content.
About Author
Written by
Harlon MossHarlon is a seasoned quality moderator and accomplished content writer for Difference Wiki. An alumnus of the prestigious University of California, he earned his degree in Computer Science. Leveraging his academic background, Harlon brings a meticulous and informed perspective to his work, ensuring content accuracy and excellence.
Edited by
Janet WhiteJanet White has been an esteemed writer and blogger for Difference Wiki. Holding a Master's degree in Science and Medical Journalism from the prestigious Boston University, she has consistently demonstrated her expertise and passion for her field. When she's not immersed in her work, Janet relishes her time exercising, delving into a good book, and cherishing moments with friends and family.
