Day of Prune

June 15. A day to remember the wrinkled, dark, sticky fruit that many undervalue. Day of Prune — an unofficial holiday invented by dietitians and dried fruit producers. The goal is to popularize this healthy product. In 2026, when healthy eating became a trend, prunes experienced a second rebirth. They are added to salads, smoothies, meat dishes, baking. But many still remember only its laxative effect. It's time to dispel myths and show prunes from an unexpected side.

What is prune

Prune is dried plum (usually varieties of Hungarian and Renklod). The drying process: fruits are blanched, cooled, then dried in ovens or in the sun. It turns out a dark purple, almost black fruit with a pit or without. Taste — sweet, with a slight acidity. Aroma — smoky (if smoked). Prune is popular in cuisines around the world: in the USA, it is put in pies, in Europe — in meat, in Russia — in compotes and fillings for kuliches.

Health benefits

Prune is a champion in the content of fiber (7 g per 100 g). It normalizes peristalsis of the intestines, helping with constipation (gentle laxative). It contains sorbitol, which enhances the effect. Antioxidants (flavonoids, carotenoids) fight aging and cancer. Potassium (732 mg) — for the heart and blood pressure. Vitamin K — for bones (prevention of osteoporosis). Vitamin B6 — for the nervous system. Boron strengthens bones and joints. Iron — for hemoglobin. Prune is beneficial for anemia, hypertension, avitaminosis. Of course, there is a lot of sugar (38 g per 100 g), but it is fructose, and it is not as harmful as refined sugar.

Who should not eat prune

Diabetics (in large quantities). People with irritable bowel syndrome (may cause gas formation). With obesity (calorific: 240 kcal per 100 g). With allergy to plums (rarely). Pregnant women — can, but not more than 5-6 pieces a day to avoid diarrhea.

How to choose quality prune

Color: evenly dark, without light spots. Gloss — there is, but not oily (treatment with glycerin). Flesh — firm, not dry. Taste — sweet, without bitterness. Pit — easily separates. Cheap prune is often treated with sulfur dioxide (E220) for color and preservation — it is better to avoid such. Buy organic prune with the marking «without sulfites».

Storage of prune

In a cool dark place in a sealed container — up to 6 months. In the refrigerator — up to a year. You can freeze. Before consumption, wash and soak in warm water for 10 minutes.

Culinary ideas for Day of Prune

Classic: prune with walnuts, wrapped in bacon, baked in the oven. Salad: chicken, prune, cucumber, sour cream. Compote: prune, dried apricots, raisins. Smoothie: banana, prune, kefir. Baking: pie with prune and apples. Meat: beef or pork, stewed with prune and onions. Dessert: prune, poured with yogurt. Try prune as a filling for tarts. Do not be afraid to experiment.

How to celebrate Day of Prune

Buy a pack of quality prune. Soak, eat a few pieces. Prepare a dish according to the recipe. Treat colleagues at work. Post a photo of prune on social networks and tell about its benefits. Give friends a jar of chocolate-covered prune (recipe is simple: melt chocolate, dip dried fruit, freeze). Conduct a tasting of different varieties.

Myths about prune

Myth 1: prune causes strong laxative. Reality: mild, not like castor oil. Myth 2: prune cannot be eaten when losing weight. Reality: can, in moderate quantities (replacing sugar). Myth 3: prune is just dried plum, there is no difference. Reality: varieties are different, and the taste differs. Myth 4: prune is smoked with chemicals. Reality: natural ones are smoked with smoke, but there are also chemical substitutes. Choose a verified manufacturer.

Day of Prune is a great reason to pay attention to this superfood. It is affordable, cheap, healthy. Do not neglect it. Buy a pack of prune today. And do not forget to wash fruits before eating.

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