Dried prunes have beneficial properties for the body. What's in prunes?

On store shelves you can find a huge number of different dried fruits, including ours familiar products, and various exotic “things”. All of them can benefit the body, saturating it with certain beneficial substances, and even helping to prevent and cure various pathological conditions. Prunes are considered one of the most common dried fruits. He has attractive taste qualities, and is also a source of many useful elements. Let's talk about the benefits of prunes for the human body in a little more detail.

What is the value of prunes? Fruit composition

Prunes contain a number of vitamin elements necessary for the full functioning of many organs and systems of the body. Among these substances are nicotinic and ascorbic acids, thiamine and carotene, as well as vitamin PP. It also contains significant amount minerals that take an active part during all chemical processes inside our body. Among these elements there is especially a lot of sodium and magnesium, as well as calcium and phosphorus. Like fresh plums, prunes contain a lot of sugars, including fructose, glucose, and sucrose. In addition, it contains a significant amount of acids - citric, oxalic, etc.

The many beneficial qualities of this dried fruit are determined by the presence of tannic and pectin elements in its composition, as well as a number of nitrogenous substances and fiber.

What are prunes valued for? Benefits of the fruit

Doctors often advise taking this product to women expecting the birth of a child, as it can prevent the development of anemia and hypovitaminosis, while perfectly replacing tablets. vitamin preparations. However, consumption of berries should be moderate, and before taking them you should make sure that there are no allergic reactions.

Prunes are enough high-calorie product, but if taken adequately in food, it cannot cause excess weight gain. This fruit will saturate the body with energy and give a person a lot of additional strength.

Consumption of prunes has a positive effect on activity digestive tract. So, if you suffer from stomach ailments or want to prevent their development, you should eat five of these berries every day. Among other things, such nutrition will help optimize metabolic processes throughout the body. Normal functioning of the stomach and intestines, as well as excellent metabolism will help you lose weight. overweight almost effortlessly, and will also lead to overall health of the body.

Doctors say that prunes also have quite powerful antibacterial properties. Its consumption helps slow down the growth of bacteria in oral cavity and even eliminate them completely.

In recent years, the consumption of such dried fruit has increased several times, as information about its usefulness is disseminated among the population through the media and word of mouth. Such a tool may well be used as effective medicine on early stages cardiovascular diseases. In this case, prunes optimize blood pressure and also remarkably strengthen the walls different vessels throughout the body.

The prune itself, as well as the infusion based on the fruit, is proven and very effective means from constipation. Even just eating such fruits will help you forget about this forever. sensitive issue. That is why prunes are especially popular among women in the second or third trimester of pregnancy, because at this time the problem of constipation worries them especially acutely.

This dried fruit will also be beneficial for other people. complex diseases. So experts strongly advise including it in your diet if you suffer from liver or kidney diseases, as well as rheumatism. Consumption of prunes can effectively prevent the development of atherosclerosis and even help cure this common and at the same time quite dangerous disease.

Systematic intake of this fruit helps prevent the development of caries. And after entering the stomach, it helps to significantly reduce the number of harmful and opportunistic bacteria, stimulating the restoration of normal intestinal flora and eliminating dysbiosis.

Doctors strongly advise patients who suffer from various cancer diseases to consume prunes. In this case, such a product effectively cleanses the body of excess unnecessary bile, as well as urine. Useful elements in its composition remarkably optimize transmission nerve impulses, besides, they are doing a good job acid-base balance in the body.

Prunes contain many elements that destroy free radicals, so they useful qualities include both good anti-aging effects and protection against cancer.

It is worth considering that consuming prunes in certain cases can harm the body. So you shouldn’t get carried away with it if you suffer from obesity or diabetes mellitus. It is not advisable to eat such fruit even at the stage breastfeeding, as it can cause colic or stomach upset in the baby. Also be sure to consider that when producing prunes on an industrial scale, they can be treated with chemicals for longer storage.

Prunes are the same plums (Hungarian or Renklod), but in dried form. This is the most popular known dried fruit. Already from the age of six months it is recommended to eat prunes, beneficial properties and the wonderful taste of which made it a universal product. And not only in cooking.

Characteristics of prunes

Energy value

In terms of energy value (calorie content), prunes lead among most fresh fruits. But it wins comparison with such “healthy sweets” as honey, marshmallows, and marshmallows. It contains 100 kcal less. Therefore, dried plums are often used as a substitute for sweets to reduce weight.

100 g of prunes contain about 250 kcal. Picture of its energy value:

• 2.3 g protein (approximately 9 kcal),
• 0.7 g fat (6 kcal),
• 57.5 g carbohydrates (230 kcal).

About the nutritional value of prunes

Per 100 g of product nutritional value distributed as follows(in grams):

• saccharides (glucose, fructose, sucrose) – 56.9,
• water – 25,
• dietary fiber – 9,
• organic acids (malic, oxalic, citric) – 3.5,
• starch – 0.6,
• fatty saturated and unsaturated acids– 0.1 each.

Vitamins (in mg):

• C – 3,
• E – 1.8,
• RR – 1.7,
• B2 – 0.1,
• beta-carotene – 0.06,
• B1 – 00.2,
• A – 10 mcg.

Minerals (in mg):

• potassium – 864,
• magnesium – 102,
• phosphorus – 83,
• calcium – 80,
• sodium – 10,
• iron – 3,
• zinc – 0.54,
• copper – 424 mcg,
• selenium – 2.3 mcg.

The berries contain pectin, nitrogenous and tannin substances, as well as other ingredients vital for the body.

Method for obtaining prunes

To obtain high-quality prunes, juicy and ripe fruits are selected. They are then subjected to:

• blanching in boiling water
• cooling in running water,
• steam drying.

As a result, its beneficial properties are completely preserved.

To obtain 1 kg of prunes, use 5 kg of black plums. Its production is widespread in the countries where this berry grows. These include America, Argentina, France. The highest quality and most expensive prunes from California (USA).

Properties of prunes

Prunes, the benefits and harms of which are well known, can be used most effectively for medicinal purposes.

Effect of prunes on human health

It is very important that dried plum retains all the beneficial components that it is rich in fresh berry. Prunes inhibit the growth of pathogens such as salmonella and E. coli. The presence of pectin and fiber cleanses blood vessels from cholesterol plaques and improves the functioning of the digestive system. Antioxidants suppress free radicals that have a destructive effect on the body. This explains the rejuvenating effect of the berry and its ability to participate in the prevention of cancer.

Vitamin A improves vision and skin condition. The choleretic and diuretic effect of prunes is to normalize metabolism. This is beneficial for kidney diseases, gout, rheumatism, psoriasis. Prunes give good effect for thrombophlebitis, as it helps reduce blood clotting. The high calorie content of the product gives the body a lot of energy.

Prunes are especially useful for pregnant women who are prone to constipation or have difficulties with intestinal function. The presence of a line of B vitamins in berries has a positive effect on work nervous system. This effect is expressed in reducing anxiety and preventing stress. Potassium provides powerful support to the heart: there is 1.5 times more of it in prunes than in bananas (a recognized source of potassium).

Solving specific health problems

Official medicine recognizes the beneficial properties of prunes for human health. The variety of its beneficial effects is amazing:

• delicately cleanses the body of toxins,
• relieves constipation,
• helps with diseases of the oral cavity, having a detrimental effect on pathogenic microorganisms, protects against caries,
• improves blood circulation,
• brings blood pressure to normal level
• strengthens the heart muscle (due to the presence of potassium),
• increases hemoglobin in the blood (iron effect),
• helps fight cancer (due to the content of phytonutrients),
• increases performance,
• rejuvenates the body (due to antioxidants),
• fights vitamin deficiency,
• improves memory,
• increases potency,
• cleanses the skin.

Risk group

Despite the obvious benefits of prunes, they have contraindications. Eating dried fruit can lead to problems with:

• overweight,
• diabetes mellitus,
• allergies to the product,
• breastfeeding (so as not to cause stomach upset infant); starting from six months, the baby can be given prune compote.

Also, people suffering from chronic liver and stomach diseases should not get carried away with prunes.

Some people suffer from flatulence and bloating after eating prunes. This is explained by the combination dietary fiber with fructose. This phenomenon is recognized individual intolerance, which is the reason for excluding the product from the diet. In addition, prunes are often processed chemically, which makes it simply harmful. Thus, it is not superfluous to know that prunes (the benefits and harm from them) do not always manifest themselves in the same way, although the benefits outweigh many times over.

Wise choice of prunes

To bring dried fruit maximum benefit, you need to competently select high-quality berries.

Definition of this product

Distinctive features of good prunes:

• whole, fleshy and slightly soft fruits,
• absence of rot and mold,
• black,
• sweet taste with a slight sourness (such berries contain a maximum of vitamin C),
• lack of bitterness.

Dried prunes with pits retain more useful components. To check the quality of prunes, you need to soak them for 30 minutes. Real prunes will turn white in some places. The treated one will retain a uniform color.

Purchased prunes must be scalded with boiling water. Then, after soaking, rinse under running water. Dried berries do not tolerate moisture. It is better to store them in a glass jar, paper bag or plastic container. The container should be in the refrigerator.

Signs of harmful processing of dried fruit

The shiny, dark gray color of prunes (the fruits look “fat”) means they have been treated with glycerin. It's made to improve presentation dried fruit It can also shine after treatment with an unknown fat. Often sellers lubricate dried fruit vegetable oil for shine. But this method of processing promotes the growth of bacteria.

The coffee tint of prunes appears after scalding with boiling water. IN best case scenario, there are practically no vitamins left in it. Manufacturers perform this “operation” to disinfect dried fruit and extend its shelf life. Brown shade is not the only drawback of such processing. The berry also tastes bitter.

The most harmful treatment is sulfur dioxide (E220), which is a toxic inorganic compound that kills bacteria. Such fruits do not attract insects. In the human body, the chemical irritates the mucous membranes of the digestive system. This type of processing preserves the original color of the dried fruit. When dried naturally, the berries will definitely darken.

Areas of application of prunes

Features of using prunes in cooking

Cooks love this product very much, as it adds a unique taste to completely different dishes. It is consumed both independently and as part of many drinks and dishes. And it’s simply impossible to imagine a compote or a meat dish without it. Adding prunes to pilaf increases the calorie content of this dish and gives it a piquant taste. It goes well with any meat - beef, chicken.

The most delicious meat dish is considered domestic duck. It is stuffed with apples and prunes and cooked in the oven. This dish will decorate anyone festive table. This dried fruit is very good as a filling for pies, cakes, candies and other confectionery products. Puff rolls filled with prunes and pieces of marmalade have a wonderful taste.

It should be remembered that prunes are not always combined with fibrous products, for example, bran, chicory, apples. A person with strong digestion can afford this mixture. Dried plums are most beneficial to eat on an empty stomach or with dairy foods. But you can’t eat the main course with it. Otherwise, it will stimulate indigestion, gas formation, and bloating.

Health Recipes

In many pharmaceuticals Contains prune extract for constipation. But healing agent you can cook it yourself. This is an infusion of prunes. Before going to bed, wash dry berries (6 pcs.) well and add boiled water (1 cup).

The next morning, drink the infusion and eat the berries. This infusion is often recommended to be consumed at night. And along with a glass of kefir. This supports microflora and improves the quality of intestinal cleansing.

Prune sweets help with constipation. You will need:

• prunes (6 pcs.),
• figs (6 pcs.),
• coriander seeds (1 tsp).

Mix everything well. Divide the mass into equal doses (for example, a tablespoon) and put in the refrigerator. A few “candies” provide relief from constipation.

In the off-season, a biological tonic helps to cope with vitamin deficiency. Take 100 g and mix:

• prunes,
• dried apricots,
• raisin,
• walnuts,
• honey (to taste).

It is useful to eat this mixture before meals in the morning and in the evening, 1 tbsp. l. With this tonic, the body will be systematically replenished with vitamins and minerals.

Calluses are treated with prunes: the berries are poured with hot milk. When they are soaked, the seeds are removed. The berry, which has not yet cooled down, is applied to the calluses. When it cools down, it is replaced with a new, hot one. This procedure should be repeated as often as possible.

The antiseptic properties of prunes help fight caries. To prevent it, it is enough to chew 2-3 berries thoroughly before going to bed. A decoction of dried fruit heals purulent diseases skin. To do this, apply it at night warm compresses to sore spots. Due to the ability to draw out pus, this method is good for treating acne.

Prunes for beauty

The dietary properties of dried fruit help to remove extra pounds, despite the fact that prunes have a high calorie content. It needs to be eaten correctly. If you feel hungry, you should take a dried plum into your mouth and slowly dissolve it until you feel full. In this way, you can cope with hunger and at the same time consume a minimum number of calories. To saturate the body, it is enough to eat 5-6 fruits a day.

Nutritionists advise combining prunes with vegetables, for example, boiled beets, grated fresh carrots. Low-fat kefir or lemon juice are suitable as a dressing (sugar and salt are strictly unacceptable). Regular proper consumption of prunes is the most in a positive way affects the condition of the skin. She becomes healthy, radiant and elastic. Improved bowel function contributes to this result.

The exceptionally beneficial qualities of prunes make them excellent dietary product in a healthy nutrition system. And the content is biological active ingredients does not limit this dried fruit only as a treat. It is deservedly used as a natural medicine.

Prunes - benefits and contraindications

Among the delicious and healthy treats Prunes occupy a special place. Not disappearing from store shelves all year round, it has a large following and is often present on our tables.

What are prunes? It's blanched in hot water and the steamed fruit of the Hungarian plum, which is distinguished by its sweet taste, juiciness and fleshiness. Most often, prunes are used for culinary purposes. It is eaten as an independent delicacy, added to desserts, salads, main courses, jams are prepared with it, and compote is also made.

This wonderful product can be consumed little by little by babies from the age of 6 months, and adults need to include it in their menu at least several times a week, because its benefits for the human body are simply priceless.

Composition and calorie content

Despite heat treatment, prunes retain all the basic properties fresh fruit, and even surpasses it in terms of the content of useful components. In addition, the healing properties of dried fruit make it popular in folk medicine - treatment based on the consumption of prunes turns out to be very effective and helps eliminate the symptoms of certain diseases.

The benefit of prunes lies in its balanced and rich composition. Product contains:

• vitamins provitamin A, B1, B2 (riboflavin), C, PP, beta-carotene;
• microelements (potassium, sodium, magnesium, phosphorus, iron);
• organic acids (oxalic, citric, malic, salicylic);
• sugars (fructose, sucrose, glucose)
• vegetable fiber
• pectin substances
• sorbitol and defenilisatin

It has been proven that this medicinal fruit is one of the healthiest and most necessary products for our body. It is enough to eat only 5-6 dried fruits per day to recharge your energy and get daily norm vitamins

Excessive use of it will harm the figure, which should be kept in mind by those who are constantly struggling with extra pounds. The fruit is high in calories - 100 g. contains 244 kcal, so it is better to combine it with raw carrots, boiled beets or low-fat kefir.

Prunes: benefits and harm to the body

Plum lovers are very lucky, because, unlike other fruits, it can be consumed all year round, only in dried form. But nothing, this does not affect the taste, much less the vitamins. Prunes, the benefits and harms of which have been studied for quite some time, contain a huge amount of vitamins and minerals. It can be used by everyone without exception, because not only is it healthy, but its taste is simply amazing. So what are prunes?

The benefits and harms to the body of this product are not equal, because it has many more advantages than disadvantages. Let's figure out what its composition is?

Composition of prunes

Not all berries and fruits can boast such an abundance of vitamins, minerals and other useful substances. Moreover, it contains as much fiber as almost no other product.

Vitamins

1. Vitamin A – fat-soluble vitamin, which is necessary for bones, teeth, vision. It also has a beneficial effect on our immune system, hair, nails, skin and delays the aging process.
2. Vitamin C is necessary for us to fight wrinkles and give elasticity to the skin. Maintains the level of hemoglobin and iron in our body, participates in the metabolism of cholesterol, normalizing it in the blood. Vitamin C helps us fight stress and colds faster.
3. Vitamin PP – participates in redox processes and tissue growth. Converts fats and sugar into energy, reduces cholesterol in the blood. Also protects against cardiovascular diseases, hypertension, diabetes, thrombosis. Restores the nervous system, treats migraines. Vitamin PP fights diseases gastrointestinal tract. Very important for the synthesis of hemoglobin and the formation of red blood cells.
4. Vitamin B – supports digestive system, participates in the formation of energy, the process of processing carbohydrates and fats, amino acids, ensures health of the skin, nervous system, blood, fights infectious diseases, anemia.

Minerals

• Potassium is essential for the functioning of all body systems.
• Magnesium – fights anemia.
• Iron is needed for the development and growth of bones and teeth.
• Phosphorus - participates in all biochemical reactions of the body.
• Calcium – maintains healthy teeth and bones, affects muscle contraction.

Prunes also contain fiber, which is necessary for proper operation gastrointestinal tract, and pectin, needed by the body to get rid of heavy metals, toxins, wastes, radionuclides.

Phytonutrients and carotenoids are also found in prunes. They protect our body from various diseases, including cardiovascular diseases.

Benefit

Dried prunes, the benefits and harms of which have long been known in medicine, are prescribed for the treatment of diseases of the gastrointestinal tract, in particular for regular constipation. This is due to the fiber and sorbitol present in its composition, which acts as a mild laxative.

Constant consumption of prunes in food will help restore normal process metabolism, as well as liver and kidney function. Just a few pieces a day are enough to normalize blood pressure, and also prevent vascular diseases.

Prunes, the benefits and harms of which have long been known to nutritionists, are prescribed in the case of a diet for weight gain, since the berry allows you to more actively produce gastric juice and, accordingly, increase appetite.

If you dissolve prunes in your mouth for some time, this will get rid of microorganisms accumulated in the oral cavity, as well as remove inflammation on the gums and teeth.

Prunes also contain antibacterial substances that stop the spread of infectious bacteria in the body, and also resist E. coli and salmonella.

Prunes are also well used in the kitchen. It can easily return a fresh taste to meat, and the berry should simply be added to the meat dish.

Harm and contraindications

No matter how much I would like to, this topic still has to be touched upon. Along with many beneficial properties, prunes can still cause harm, especially for diabetics. It is contraindicated for this group of people, as it contains a high sugar content.

In addition, prunes are losing out in industrial terms. It is more advisable to prepare it yourself, and you can be sure that it will not harm you in any way. But if you decide to buy prunes on the market, you should be extremely careful. First of all, you need to look at the “wrapper”.

The whole point is that some unscrupulous producers treat their crops with sulfur dioxide in order to get more fruit and get rid of the insects that spoil them. But that's not all. Before going on sale, prunes undergo another bad treatment - glycerin. This is done so that the berry shines and shimmers in the sun. It is also sometimes subjected to artificial coloring. Do you think such prunes will help our body? The benefits and harms in this case are clear, so the berry should be wrinkled and “ugly”, and the taste should not be very pronounced. This will be natural prunes.

Is it possible to give prunes to children?

Of course, prunes themselves are very valuable. The benefits and harms for children, however, are a separate topic. For very small babies, this product is not very useful due to its laxative effect, so it is better to avoid it until six months.

A completely different question is if the child suffers from constipation (and has already reached 4 months of age), in which case it is more advisable to give him prune compote, decoction or infusion.

To do this, take a few berries and wash them under running water. Pour one glass of water and boil for several minutes. Next, leave for about an hour. Give the baby a teaspoon in the daytime.

If the baby is older, then you can prepare him a delicious puree. To do this, fill a few pieces with water and leave overnight. In the morning, pour out the liquid and boil the prunes for a few minutes until tender. Pass through a meat grinder or grind in a blender - and healthy puree ready.

Berry for nursing mothers

If present strong desire If you eat prunes, you can try it, but you should start with small doses in order to check the baby’s reaction. Try eating one prune on the first day. If the baby does not express dissatisfaction after your meal, is not capricious and wears diapers normally, then the next day you can increase the dose by exactly one berry, and so on up to 4 pieces per day.

If the mother is constipated, then in this situation you should also act quite carefully. First, start with one berry and continue until you achieve the desired result, but do not forget to monitor the child’s reaction, because prunes are quite aggressive towards the children’s intestines.

To prepare a medicine for constipation, a nursing mother should take several pieces of prunes and pour boiling water over them. Let it brew overnight. Drink the liquid in which the berries were infused and eat the berries. You can also cook prune compote or prepare an infusion, and after the baby is 4 months old, you can give it to him to try.

Many doctors do not recommend that nursing mothers eat prunes if their babies react poorly to the product eaten by their mother. But everything is individual, rely only on your maternal intuition, it will definitely tell you what to do in a given situation, how to properly take this wonderful product - prunes.

Benefits and harms during pregnancy

Everyone knows very well that during pregnancy you should limit yourself to various sweets, but those who have had to deal with this know that it is quite difficult, especially if the body of the expectant mother requires it. Therefore, it is more advisable to replace sweets with prunes.

It is an excellent prevention of bleeding gums and caries, which very often happens during pregnancy.

Also, prunes, the benefits and harms of which have been known since ancient times, are used for constipation in pregnant women, anemia, vitamin deficiency, and to strengthen the immune system. It can be added to different dishes, cook compotes, make decoctions and infusions.

These prunes are so healthy!

Benefit and harm. Calorie content. Do berries help with weight loss?

The calorie content of this product is 244 kcal per 100 g of product, so it definitely cannot serve as a fat burner, and it is also not worth replacing your entire diet with it. But you can still achieve significant results with the help of prunes by combining its use with sports and adding to various dishes(cereals, salads, cocktails). If you decide to lose weight and use this product in your diet, then there is also a twist here. It serves as an excellent snack, but you should eat no more than two pieces (5-6 per day).

It will be very useful to drink a glass of prune decoction in the morning so as not to feel discomfort in the stomach throughout the day. And these are not all the qualities that prunes have.

The benefits and harms of this berry for weight loss, as mentioned above, are clear, therefore, if you want this tasty product to provide beneficial influence on your figure and body as a whole, then choose “ugly” and lackluster prunes. And remember that everything should have its own measure, do not abuse it - and you will achieve excellent results.

Prunes - benefits and harm. What are the benefits of prunes?

The modern abundance of dried fruits lying on the shelves is simply amazing. However, among all this wealth, one stands out, not losing the respect and love of customers. This is a well-known prune - a delicious delicacy and a very valuable product from a nutritional point of view. The exquisite taste with characteristic sourness and the benefits of prunes have made it popular all over the world. People began growing plums, from which prunes are made, and drying them quite a long time ago - around the 6th century BC.

But in Russia, plums began to be grown only in the 17th century, when several seedlings of this tree were brought from Asia. Although several hundred varieties of plums are known, only one variety is used for drying - Hungarian. It is this variety that produces juicy, fleshy, ovoid-elongated and aromatic fruits, from which first-class dried fruit is obtained. This variety was called "Hungarian" due to the fact that in the 19th century the plum was the main fruit tree of Hungary. To speed up the production of dried fruits, they even developed a special harvesting technology - ripe fruits were not removed from the branches, but waited until they fell to the ground, slightly withered and wrinkled.

Chemical composition

The exceptional benefits of prunes are due to the abundance valuable substances and the vitamins contained in it: these are organic acids (oxalic, citric, especially a lot of malic acid), and fiber, and pectin substances, as well as calcium, magnesium, phosphorus, iron. In terms of potassium content, prunes are 1.5 times higher than bananas. Prunes contain healthy sugars - fructose, sucrose, glucose (at least 57%) and a whole set of vitamins - A, the entire group of vitamins B, C, PP. The energy value of the product per 100 g is 231 kcal.

Harm and benefits of prunes

Useful properties

Prunes are very useful for anemia and vitamin deficiency. Prunes have antibacterial properties, so it is recommended to take them instead of harmful chemicals for infectious diseases and other ailments. Prunes are useful for gastrointestinal diseases. With the help of this dried fruit you can cure constipation - just 5-6 berries a day, and the problem is solved. However, prunes are useful for any discomfort in the stomach. In addition, prunes have a choleretic and diuretic effect, and effectively cleanse the body. By regularly eating prunes, you can significantly reduce the risk of hypertension, heart disease, and gastrointestinal tract diseases.

Prunes also increase secretion gastric juice and increases appetite, so it is often included in diets aimed at weight gain. When eating prunes, metabolism is normalized and the body is generally strengthened. About the benefits of prunes and their ability to maintain freshness and enrich the taste meat dishes It is well known to many housewives who use this dried fruit to prepare delicious and savory dishes. Truly, it is impossible to resist baked lamb and veal, rabbit and poultry, soaked in the sour-sweet taste and heady aroma of prunes, against the melt-in-your-mouth delicacy - prunes in chocolate, against delicious compotes, jelly and cocktails... Any dish that contains prunes , becomes a real decoration of the festive table.

The benefits and harms of bananas for women Dried figs - the benefits and harms for the body

Description of prunes, their composition and calorie content. Benefits, expected harms and contraindications for use. What dishes can you cook with it?

Contents of the article:

Prunes are a dried fruit that can be prepared from the fruits of any plum, a plant belonging to the Rose family (Rosaceae), which has a wonderful sweetish-sour taste. The raw materials for the production of this product are grown in the central and southern parts of Russia, the Caucasus, Ukraine and Moldova. Currently, the largest producers of prunes are Argentina, France, Spain, the USA, and Chile. But the highest quality and most expensive dried fruit is produced in the state of California. There are approximately 250 types of plums in the world, which in dried form are the product we are considering.

Composition and calorie content of prunes

High calorie content, an abundance of valuable elements and vitamins, organic acids, fructose, sucrose and glucose - all this makes dried fruit an unusually useful product for our body.

The calorie content of prunes is 256 kcal per 100 g of product, of which:

• Proteins - 2.3 g;
• Fats - 0.7 g;
• Carbohydrates - 57.5 g;
• Dietary fiber - 9 g;
• Organic acids - 3.5 g;
• Water - 25 g;
• Ash - 2 g.

Vitamins per 100 g:

• Vitamin A, RE - 10 mcg;
• Beta Carotene - 0.06 mg;
• Vitamin B1, thiamine - 0.02 mg;
• Vitamin B2, riboflavin - 0.1 mg;
• Vitamin C, ascorbic acid- 3 mg;
• Vitamin E, alpha tocopherol - 1.8 mg;
• Vitamin RR, NE - 1.7 mg;
• Niacin - 1.5 mg.

Macroelements per 100 g:

• Potassium, K - 864 mg;
• Calcium - 80 mg;
• Magnesium, Mg - 102 mg;
• Sodium, Na - 10 mg;
• Phosphorus, P - 83 mg.

Of the microelements, prunes contain only iron, Fe, in an amount of 3 mg per 100 grams of product.

Digestible carbohydrates per 100 g:

• Starch and dextrins - 0.6 g;
• Mono- and disaccharides (sugars) - 56.9 g.

Saturated fatty acids 100 g of product contains 0.1 g.

Beneficial properties of prunes

The importance and significance of any product depends on the benefits it brings to people. The dried fruit we are considering is, first of all, widely used in cooking, but with considerable healing properties, has found its application in medicine.

Let's look at the benefits of prunes:

1. Combating anemia and vitamin deficiency. High calorie content and a whole series replenishes vitamins and other elements vitamin balance. In addition, iron has a beneficial effect on the body in case of these ailments.
2. Boosting immunity. This is due to the antioxidants contained in prunes. It also contains such an important compound as ascorbic acid.
3. Preventive effects for infectious and colds . The product, having antibacterial properties, has a positive effect on the body in these diseases. In addition, these dried fruits are natural immunomodulators, which increase its resistance various infections. The prepared extract from dried plums prevents the proliferation of salmonella, staphylococci and E. coli.
4. Fighting gastrointestinal diseases. Thanks to potassium in the product, the acid-base balance is normalized. B vitamins and fiber contribute to normal metabolism. Consuming 5-6 berries a day - and the problem with constipation will be solved without much effort and without taking it chemicals. In addition, these dried fruits are beneficial for any stomach discomfort.
5. Decreased pressure. At constant use prunes will eliminate the risk of hypertension.
6. Positive effect on the nervous system organs. B vitamins and potassium help cope with anxiety of various nature and prevent stress.
7. Prevention of heart and vascular diseases. Consumption of prunes helps cleanse blood vessels, strengthen their walls, and also prevents the development of atherosclerosis. This happens thanks to potassium, which is part of this product.
8. Increased appetite. The chemical composition of dried fruit contributes to copious discharge gastric juice, thereby causing a strong desire to eat. For this reason, the product is included in diets aimed at weight gain.
9. Prevention of cancer. Prunes contain a large amount of antioxidants that neutralize negative impact free radicals on body cells. Consumption of dried plums has preventive effect on malignant formations. They have a particularly positive effect on the microflora of the distal rectum and the number of aberrant crypts.
10. Fighting kidney and liver diseases. This occurs due to the diuretic and choleretic effects of prunes on the body. Consumption of these dried fruits is beneficial for cholelithiasis.
11. Vision restoration. A large amount of vitamin A (retinol) and carotene in this product helps restore the functions of the visual organ.
12. Protection against oral diseases. Consuming prunes helps relieve gum inflammation and prevents the formation of tartar and caries.
13. Stimulating effect on brain function. High calorie content, a large amount of vitamins and minerals in prunes - all this helps to increase the body's performance and relieve fatigue.
14. Fight with overweight . Consumption of dried fruit helps remove harmful cholesterol from the body. The fruits contain sufficient quantity fiber, which creates a feeling of fullness.
15. Strengthening Bones. A dozen prunes a day will help prevent brittle bones, especially in older people and women during menopause, when there is a risk of osteoporosis.

Harm and contraindications to the use of prunes

However, given a number of positive properties Prunes are not suitable for all people to consume. Who should refrain from including this product in their diet:

• Patients suffering from obesity. Due to the high calorie content and the presence of sugar in this dried fruit, it should not be consumed in large quantities by this category of people.
• For patients with diabetes. Again, both the high calorie content and sugar in prunes make them a product that should be eaten in small doses if you have such health problems.
• Breastfeeding women. The dried fruit acts as a laxative, so it can cause stomach upsets and colic in babies.

How to cook prunes

To prepare this product, you need to select ripe, or better yet, overripe sweet plum fruits, most often the Renklod or Hungarian varieties. First, wash them thoroughly and remove the seeds if desired. It should be noted that prunes with pits have more useful substances.

Next we do soda solution(in the proportion of 100 g of soda per 10 liters of water) and blanch the plums in it at a temperature of 90 degrees for 20-30 seconds. After this we wash the fruits hot water and start drying them. To make prunes both tasty and healthy, you need to carefully monitor the temperature of the drying process.

It will take place in three stages. First, place the baking sheet with plums in the oven (50 degrees) for 3-4 hours. Then we take it out, mix the fruits (you need to be extremely careful, because the product is very hot), cool it, heat our stove to 70 degrees this time and put a baking sheet in it for 5 hours. Remove again, mix, cool and place in the oven for 4 hours at 90 degrees.

Our product is ready! They are much healthier than store-bought prunes, which are often coated with various substances to make them look more beautiful.

Recipes with prunes

Prunes not only bring considerable benefits to our body, but also give dishes an unusually refined taste. Salads, sauces, drinks, and baked goods with it will add a touch of celebration to your table. And cooked meat with the addition of these dried fruits has a spicy and appetizing aroma and a sour-sweet taste, be it chicken, beef or pork.

Recipes with prunes for various dishes:

1. Salad “Beets with prunes”. First, wash and boil 3-4 beets. Once the beets have cooled, peel them and grate them on a coarse grater. After this, grind 100 g walnuts and fry them to obtain a pleasant aroma and better taste. Then wash 150 g of prunes and chop coarsely. Mix all ingredients in a bowl, season with 4-5 tablespoons of mayonnaise and salt to taste. You can add 1 clove of garlic for a spicy taste (optional).
2. Salad with prunes and chicken. We choose a form for our dish. We will grease each layer in it with mayonnaise (we will take it to taste). So, the first layer is smoked chicken breast cut into strips (350 g). Then chop 6 yolks and place on the meat. We will prepare the next layer from pitted prunes (300 g) pre-soaked in boiling water. After this, fry 300 g of champignons with 1 onion, and this will be our fourth layer. Now let's cut 1 fresh cucumber into strips and place in a dish. Decorate the top with chopped 6 egg whites. Bon appetit!
3. Salad “Kiss of a Lover”. First, prepare all the components. Boil 4 beets and grate coarsely. We also boil 2 carrots and three on a medium grater. Wash 1 cup of prunes and 0.5 cups of raisins. Now let's start preparing the salad. Let's prepare a beautiful form, maybe transparent. Prepare the first layer from raisins with carrots and season with mayonnaise. Then grate 200 g of hard cheese and mix it with 3 cloves of garlic, passed through a garlic press, and season these ingredients with mayonnaise. Place the garlic-cheese layer on top of the carrot layer. Next, mix the beets with prunes, add mayonnaise and spread in a third layer. You can sprinkle nuts on top.
4. Stewed chicken with prunes. Wash 1 chicken carcass or large chicken and cut into portions. Sprinkle with pepper and salt to taste. Peel and grate 1 carrot. Peel and cut 1 onion into rings. Fry vegetables in a deep frying pan for 3 minutes (30 g of vegetable oil). In a separate frying pan, fry the pieces of meat for a couple of minutes and combine them with onions and carrots. Add 20 prunes (without seeds) to the bowl. We make the sauce this way: mix 1 cup of sour cream with 3 cups of water and pour this mixture over the chicken and vegetables. Season with pinches of caraway seeds and nutmeg, allspice (7 peas) and bay leaves (2 leaves). Simmer the dish over low heat for 40 minutes.
5. . Fill pitted prunes (150 g) with water for 20 minutes, strain out the liquid and cut the dried fruits into pieces. Pour 50 ml of vegetable oil into a cauldron, put chopped onions(500 g) and fry it for 10 minutes. Add 2 tablespoons of flour and 1 liter of water, bring to a boil. In another bowl we will fry 1400 g of boneless beef, previously cut into medium-sized pieces. Place the meat in the onion sauce and simmer for 30 minutes. Add prunes and continue to simmer for 20 minutes. Season with spices: 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon, 1 teaspoon ground cloves, nutmeg, pepper and salt to taste. This meat goes well with a side dish of rice.
6. Prune pie. First you need to beat 150 g of butter (room temperature) with 120 g of sugar to the consistency of cream. Then add 1 egg, then 3 yolks and beat the dough again. Add 150 g of flour, a pinch of salt and 1 teaspoon of baking powder (add it as desired, this is an optional component). Mix all products thoroughly. Place the dough in a greased pan. Place prepared prunes (washed and soaked in alcohol) on top. You can put the pie in the refrigerator for 2 hours, this will make it crumbly. Bake at 180 degrees for 40 minutes.
7. Curd pie with prunes. First of all, wash and dry the prunes with a towel. Then we cut it and unfold it. After this, use your hands to rub 1.5 cups of flour with 2 tablespoons of sugar, 100 g of butter and 1 teaspoon of vanilla sugar until crumbs form. Place half of them in a pan greased with vegetable oil and press slightly to the bottom of the dish. Place prunes on top. After this, use a blender to mix 270 g of cottage cheese, 2 yolks, 5 tablespoons of sugar, 200 g of sour cream. Beat 2 egg whites in a separate bowl. We combine both masses into one and pour it onto a layer of prunes, pour the remaining crumbs on top. Bake in the oven at 180 degrees for 40 minutes. Eat for your health!
8. Cake with prunes. First, let's prepare the dough. Grind 4 yolks from 1 glass of sugar and add this to soft butter (100 g). Then add 1 tablespoon of sour cream, 1.5 cups wheat flour, salt to taste and 1 teaspoon of baking powder (you can use 0.5 teaspoon of soda instead). Knead the dough thoroughly, divide it into 3 parts, pump out the cakes and bake them in the oven. Let's start preparing the cream. We wash the prunes and pass them through a meat grinder. Beat 100 g of soft butter with? cups of powdered sugar. Add 100 g of sour cream, which must first be beaten with 1/2 cup of powdered sugar. Add this mass to the prunes and add chopped walnuts (100 g). The cream is ready! We coat the cakes with it, and coat the sides with whipped egg white and 1/2 cup of powdered sugar. Decorate the top with grated chocolate and nuts. Place the cake in the refrigerator to soak overnight.
9. Compote with prunes. In 1 l boiled water dissolve 1 glass granulated sugar. Pour 300 g of washed prunes into the syrup and cook for 20 minutes. IN this drink You can add the juice of 1 lemon, which will make it even healthier and tastier.
10. “Smoked” mulled wine with prunes. Pour 50 ml of cherry juice into a saucepan and pour 5 g of large-leaf tea into it. Heat on fire, but do not boil. Let it sit for 5 minutes. Add 5 g of ground cinnamon, 150 ml of dry red wine, 20 g of honey, half an orange (chopped) and 4 prunes. Heat again over the fire, but do not boil. We insist this time for 15 minutes. The drink is ready! It will help you relax after a working day or warm up in cold weather.
11. Porridge with prunes. First of all, wash 0.5 cups of prunes and steam them in boiling water. Then cook the porridge in this way: pour 1 cup of millet with 2 cups of water in a saucepan, add sugar to taste and cook, stirring constantly. Grind 2 tablespoons of nuts, pour them into the porridge, add butter to taste. Mix everything. Add prunes and mix again. The porridge is ready! Eat and be healthy!

Both culinary possibilities and healing effect The effects of prunes on the body have been known since ancient times. People began growing plums, from which this product is made, in the 6th century BC. But the Hungarian variety is best suited for drying. It got its name because this plum was the main fruit tree in Hungary. There was even a special approach to collecting fruits: they were not removed from the branches, but waited until they were overripe and almost limp and fell to the ground.

Plums were brought to Russia from Europe in the 17th century during the reign of Alexei Mikhailovich. At first, the prunes themselves and dishes with them were served only to kings, nobles and famous military commanders. Our ancestors believed that this product had a positive effect on human body and much more useful and effective than any medicine.

And there are several legends about the appearance of plums in Europe. The first says that Alexander the Great brought from his conquests many valuable trophies: gold, precious stones, spices, and also several plum trees. If you believe another story, then these plants were brought to Europe, or rather to Rome, by the commander Gnaeus the Great. Since then, plums have spread throughout the world. But there is no information about when and by whom they were dried.

These dried fruits are used in many cuisines around the world. The North African dish tajine is prepared with prunes. And when preparing traditional Jewish food, tzimmes, this product is also used. Scandinavians serve prune jelly with rice porridge for Christmas. Norwegians love to eat fruit soup, which contains dried plums. Danish pastries made with these dried fruits are popular in New York and other coastal regions of the eastern United States. And in the Dominican Republic, prunes are an ingredient in ice cream.

Watch a video about prunes:

So, prunes are not only a tasty component of many dishes and a substitute for harmful medications, but also an independent delicacy with a wonderful sourness. Currently, it is not a problem to buy it in stores, supermarkets and markets. One can argue about the benefits of products purchased there, because prunes are often treated with both glycerin (dark gray shiny color) and some kind of fat (the product shines). And this is not always useful. Therefore, to obtain a tasty product that has a beneficial effect on the body, you need to make it yourself.

Prunes are one of the most popular and beloved dried fruits in our country. Dried plum fruits have high taste and beneficial properties, retaining almost all the vitamins of fresh fruits. IN dried fruits their concentration is even higher than in fresh ones.

The healing properties of this type of dried fruit are used for a variety of health problems, in particular taken for constipation. Prunes are good for people of all ages. However, in some cases it can be harmful.

Today we will talk to you about the benefits of dried prunes for the body and the possible harm from this product. We’ll also look at a few recipes. traditional treatment with it:

The benefits of prunes

In addition to a large amount of vitamins, dried plums have soft fiber, which effectively relieves constipation and cleanses the gastrointestinal tract from harmful substances, deposits and slags. But this product also brings obvious benefits to other organs and systems of the body.

With the help of prunes you can get rid of edema, since the product has a slight diuretic effect, improves kidney function, and promotes active elimination from the body extra salts and activates bile secretion.

It also contains vitamin A, which, among other things, is very good for the eyes and helps improve vision. Therefore, dried plums should be included in the diet of those who work at the computer for a long time. Doctors recommend eating several fruits every day for people who have undergone eye surgery.

Dried plums have a high concentration of antioxidants. They are known to help the body fight free radicals. Therefore, the product is believed to have anti-aging properties and is effective prophylactic oncological diseases.

Although prunes are quite high in calories, nutritionists recommend including them in weight loss programs. We'll talk about how to lose weight with this product a little later.

It has been noted that with its regular use, the body’s tone increases and work improves. immune system. Experts recommend including this product in the diet of people after past diseases, as well as anyone who suffers from chronic fatigue or engages in heavy physical or mental labor.

Healing recipes

For constipation

Rinse the fruits and pour boiling water over them. Cover the dish with a lid, insulate it, and leave overnight. In the morning, drink the resulting infusion, and eat the berries immediately or throughout the day.

To normalize blood pressure

Pour boiling water over several fruits and hold for no more than 10 minutes. Then take it out and leave it on a paper towel to dry. Cut into small pieces, which are mixed with regular tea leaves. Brew and drink tea as you usually do. This drink has the ability to reduce blood pressure.

For calluses

Boil several prunes in milk. Cut one in half and, while still hot, apply to the callus. Secure with a bandage and keep until completely cool. You will repeat this procedure several more times. The decoction in which the berries were boiled can be drunk. Or you can pour it into a basin and hold your feet there. After this procedure, the skin will become soft and tender.

Prunes for weight loss

As we have already said, despite the fact that dried plum fruits are quite high in calories, they are included in diets for weight loss. There are even special diet on prunes. You need to eat prunes every day, 350 g: Breakfast - 100 g; Lunch - 100 g; Dinner - 150 g.

Application in home cosmetics

It is impossible not to note the cosmetic properties of prunes - cleanses pores, brightens age spots, perfectly softens the skin, eliminates swelling, treats inflammation and irritation. For example, here is the recipe homemade mask, for skin rejuvenation:

Boil three berries in milk, cool slightly. While still warm, knead to a paste, apply to cleansed skin, keep for 15 minutes. Then rinse and rinse cold water and grease with cream.

Possible harm for the body

In general, there are no contraindications for consuming dried plums. There are some warnings from nutritionists about its use. For example, if you are obese, you should not get too carried away with this product. Of course, prunes help you lose weight. But if you consume it in kilograms, the weight will not only not go away, but will increase.

Diabetics should also significantly reduce the amount of prunes in their diet. The product is rich in sugars, and this is dangerous for diabetes. Therefore, you need to be careful and seriously limit its consumption.

Nursing mothers should not get carried away with this product, as this can cause colic and increased gas formation at the baby's. If you like dried plums, introduce them into the diet gradually so that the child’s body gets used to this product.

It should be noted that prunes dried use which is undeniable, can cause harm to health. This is possible if you have received a spoiled product, or one that has been treated with chemicals to better storage.

High-quality prunes are black and shiny. The taste is sweet, with a slight sourness. There can be no bitterness. If you put several fruits in water, after half an hour small whitened areas will appear on their surface. If they are not there, the dried plums have been treated with chemicals.

So be careful when choosing a product and buy only high-quality dried fruits that are tasty and healthy!

Prunes are common dried plum Most often, Renklod or Hungarian plums are used for prunes. In order to obtain a truly high-quality product, only the sweetest and ripest plum fruits are used. It is very important that even after heat treatment these dried fruits retain their beneficial properties. This is why prunes are used to treat and restore the human body, and even doctors have recognized this berry as medicinal. If you eat prunes regularly, you can use them to prevent many diseases, maintain the health of the body as a whole, and also lose weight.

Beneficial properties of prunes

So, what are the benefits of prunes? This product is rich in vitamins, and their beneficial properties are necessary to maintain the proper functioning of certain human organs; prunes also contain a large number of minerals that are involved in almost all chemical actions occurring in the human body. The product contains a lot of glucose, sucrose and fructose, it is rich in acids such as oxalic and citric. This product contains vitamins such as riboflavin, nicotinic and ascorbic acid, thiamine, PP, it is also rich in fiber, contains nitrogen, pectin and tannins. There are numerous minerals, namely: sodium, phosphorus, potassium, magnesium, etc.

Beneficial properties of prunes:

1. With this product you can suppress pathogenic microbes, for example, coli and salmonella.
2. It helps perfectly with constipation, prunes are also useful for diseases of the gastrointestinal tract, and you can easily lose weight with it.
3. Normalizes blood pressure, while fighting some oncological diseases, performance increases.
4. Prunes normalize and restore proper metabolism, remove waste and toxins from the body.
5. Has some rejuvenating effect.

Now you have found out whether prunes are healthy, of course they have a huge amount useful substances that are so necessary for the human body. But there are still some contraindications, which will be discussed further.

Contraindications for prunes

It is worth remembering that the harm and benefits of prunes largely depend on how they were prepared, as well as how they are processed. Although this fruit has a large number vitamins and minerals, there are still some contraindications for prunes:

• Do not abuse the product if you are obese or have diabetes;
• Women who are breastfeeding should also use prunes with caution, as this may cause stomach upset for the baby.
• it is necessary to carefully and carefully select prunes, because they are often processed chemical solutions in order for it to be stored longer, so there is a risk of allergic reaction Almost every person has it.

Now you have learned why prunes are harmful; as it turns out, there are very few contraindications, but it is worth remembering that prunes should be consumed in limited quantities.

Prunes and weight loss

As mentioned earlier, losing weight with prunes is possible, and if you want to get rid of a few extra pounds, you will have to follow certain rules for consuming the product. 100 grams of prunes contain approximately 250 kcal, at first glance it may seem like a lot, but at the same time it will not affect your figure in any way. Even nutritionists often advise replacing sweets with dried fruits, including prunes; they are quite filling, so it is impossible to eat too much of them.

How to lose weight with prunes:

1. Regular consumption of prunes leads to a decrease in cholesterol levels, and this has a positive influence on the process of losing weight. If you periodically replace snacks with prunes, you can significantly reduce the content of salt and harmful fats in the body, which means a person will begin to lose weight.
2. If you use dried fruits as a snack, then during a diet a person will not feel constant feeling hunger. Prunes contain a large amount of fiber, which, in turn, gives you a feeling of fullness throughout the day.
3. Prunes are used very often for weight loss, because they are also an excellent antidepressant, which is important during a diet. Such diet companions as mood swings, sleep disorders and depression will subside if you eat prunes.

Methods and volumes of using prunes

1. If you want to lose weight and at the same time cleanse your body of waste and toxins, then the following recipe will help with this: take 100 grams of prunes, dried apricots, hay or grass and figs, all these products must be chopped using a meat grinder. Steam hay or grass in boiling water and leave for 3 hours, then combine everything and leave for another 5 hours. You need to take 1 tbsp of this mixture before meals. l.
2. During a diet, you often crave sweets; with the help of a special mixture based on prunes, you can trick your stomach and at the same time replenish your supply of all nutrients, which the body lacks so much. To do this, take some prunes, grind them with a meat grinder, and then add chopped nuts, there should be half as many of them as dried fruits. Mix everything thoroughly and add a little honey. To eat this mixture you need 1 tbsp. l. as a snack or when you really want something sweet.

Prunes during pregnancy

Prunes are not contraindicated during pregnancy, because they contain many vitamins and minerals that are so necessary for a woman’s body at this time. The product improves the functioning of the gastrointestinal tract, and it also saves pregnant women from frequent constipation.

Can pregnant women eat prunes? Yes, but only in moderate amount, you must remember that it is better not to eat prunes while breastfeeding, this can cause stomach upset in the baby and in the mother herself.

Prunes are very useful during pregnancy, they strengthen the gums, restore and lower blood pressure, and contain a sufficient amount of potassium, which regulates the water-salt balance.

Prunes are the record holder for popularity among dried fruits. Adults and children love it, using it as a separate product, for making compotes and sweets, and also as an additional ingredient in salads and meat dishes.

This is one hundred percent useful product, if it is selected correctly. How to determine quality, i.e. fresh prunes among its diversity on the shelves retail outlets and what is the best way to preserve prunes?

First, let's talk about the benefits of this wonderful product.

What are the benefits of fresh prunes, beneficial properties

The most important thing is the content of vitamins of groups E, PP, B, C and important microelements(calcium, potassium, phosphorus, manganese, magnesium, iron, iodine, cobalt, zinc, copper). Plus, prunes are rich in fiber, organic acids and pectins. Despite the high calorie content, this dried fruit is low and has the ability to quickly saturate the body. You simply cannot eat it in large quantities.

Prunes have antibacterial properties. It is recommended for oral infections and to combat salmonella and E. coli.

Fresh benign prunes playing important role in normalization of exchange chemicals and regulation of the gastrointestinal tract. If you eat 5 pieces of this product every day, it will help remove harmful substances from the body, reduce constipation and improve intestinal function.

Due to the high content of antioxidants, prunes, like prunes, have a rejuvenating and tonic effect on the body. There are a number of diseases for which it is recommended to include fresh prunes in the diet: anemia, vitamin deficiency, hypertension (normalizes blood pressure), intestinal diseases, chronic fatigue and even oncology.

What are prunes made from? The best varieties of prunes

Prunes good quality It comes from a small stone and a sugar content of at least 12%. The most cultivated varieties in mid-latitudes are the Hungarian variety with large fruits, Stanley with almost black berries and high yield, Kuban Legend, and Blue Bird.

Too large fruits are not suitable for drying plums, as they quickly begin to rot and spoil. The optimal weight is up to 40 grams. You also need to know that unripe fruits are not suitable for making prunes. It is better to choose them even a little overripe.

Choosing the right fresh prunes

Now about the main thing - about choice. It is very important to be able to correctly determine the freshness of dried fruits. How to do this and how to preserve prunes so that they do not lose their beneficial properties?

The natural way of drying plums in the sun involves keeping them in the open air for a long time, as a result of which they lose moisture, wrinkle and turn into a product familiar to our eyes. This is the best way, but it takes too long. Therefore it is often used accelerated methods drying: with temperature treatment (in an oven, or, even worse, using a blowtorch) or chemical (fumigated with sulfur dioxide, which is toxic!). It is clear that when heated, fresh prunes lose their beneficial properties and most vitamins are destroyed. And after gas treatment, the final product may have properties harmful to the consumer.

When choosing quality prunes, pay attention first of all to their appearance, which will help determine freshness and quality. Check for the following:

1. Color must be black. If there is a tint of brown, the berries were most likely treated with boiling water for disinfection purposes before drying.

2. The surface of the prunes should be matte. If it has a pronounced shine, then it has been treated with glycerin. This product can only be used after thorough washing. There should be no plaque present.

3. If you mash prunes, they should not leave marks on your fingers. The berries should be moderately elastic and not hard.

4. The taste of fresh prunes should be pleasantly sweet with a slight sourness, without foreign impurities or bitterness.

5. In the east, prunes dried with pits are considered the most useful.

So, the main rules for choosing fresh and high-quality prunes are: matte surface, black color, lack of gloss. These rules also apply to the choice of other dried fruits: the more beautiful the appearance, the less healthy they are.

There is another way to determine fresh prunes and their quality: after half an hour of soaking in water, a good product will turn white in places, but after chemical and heat treatment it will not.

After purchasing fresh and quality product You should be armed with knowledge of how to preserve prunes.

Proper storage

Prunes, like raisins and dried apricots, should be stored in a cool and dry place. Shelf life ranges from 6 to 12 months.

The container for storing prunes can be any: plastic containers, glass jars, metal boxes with sealed lids, canvas bags.

If purchased fresh prunes are placed in a plastic bag, they can quickly become damp and moldy. Before storage, it should be kept in the open air to dry. Stored prunes should be sorted out periodically and dried if necessary.