Plum Good – Australian Prunes

In France, prunes reign supreme. Much sought after by foodies from around the world, local prunes are held in the same high regard as foie gras and Armagnac and they even have their own museum. Many great French chefs regularly feature prunes in their signature dishes and the French love prunes so much that grateful guests will often present heir hostess with a beautifully wrapped box of prunes rather than chocolates.

Prune production is one of the very few Australian horticultural sectors that is continuing to grow, with farmers planting new trees every year.

Prunes are Packed with Nutrition
(Source - California Dried Plum Board)

NUTRIENT	UNIT	Value per 40 grams (or approx. 5 prunes)
Folate, DFE	Mcg_DFE	2.0
Choline, total	mg	4.0
Betaine	mg	0.2
Vitamin A, IU	IU	312.0
Vitamin E (alpha-tocopherol	mg	0.17
Tocopherol, beta	mg	0.00
Tocopherol, gamma	mg	0.01
Tocopherol, delta	mg	0.00
Vitamin K (phylloquinone)	mcg	23.8
Lipids
Fatty acids, total saturated	mg	35
Fatty acids, total monounsaturated	mg	21
Fatty acids, total polyunsaturated	mg	25
Cholesterol	mg	0.00
Other
Carotene, beta	Mcg	158.0
Carotene, alpha	Mcg	23.0
Cryptoxanthin, beta	Mcg	37.0
Lutein & zeaxanthin	Mcg	59.0

 

(Source - Foodworks)

Calcium	mg	20
Iron	mg	0.45
Potassium	mg	280
Magnesium	mg	17
Sodium	mg	2.8
Protein	%	6.5
Fibre	G	3.1

To Pit or Not to Pit…

Many prune lovers will tell you that just as lives taste best with their pits intact, so do prunes, for those who prefer to buy their prunes intact, the pits are easily removed with a sharp knife or a cherry pitter.

Prune Storage

Once your pack is open, prunes don’t need to be kept in the fridge, but refrigeration will help keep them moist and juicy. Otherwise, close the pack securely and store in cool, dry conditions. Prunes can be stored this way for up to 18 months.

View the Receips

 

---

Receive recipes, book details and cooking tips on a regular basis – join my mailing list