Cooking with Prunes

Did you know that not all plums can be prunes, but all prunes are plums? California Prunes are grown from the French d’Agen variety of plum, which was first grafted onto wild plum tree rootstock in California more than 150 years ago.

These days, California Prunes are the best in the world, with a smooth, silky mouthfeel and a legendary natural sweetness that has notes of honey and caramel. Whether whole, sliced, diced or pureed, they’re exceptionally versatile as a year-round pantry staple. They enhance the flavor and texture of both sweet and savory dishes – providing moisture to baked goods, thickening sauces, and serving as a natural sweetener.

Try pairing California Prunes with:

• Bright, tangy fruits such as apples, pears, pomegranate seeds and citrus
• Creamy, sour dairy like Greek yogurt and crème fraiche
• Flavorful cheeses – especially goat cheese, aged Gouda, Manchego and blue cheese
• Roasted green vegetables like broccoli, green beans and sauteed greens
• Toasted nuts – especially pecans, walnuts, almonds and pine nuts
• Sweet root vegetables like caramelized onions, carrots, beets, sweet potatoes and other winter squash
• Baking spices like cinnamon, allspice, nutmeg, cardamom and cloves
• Spicy ingredients like chiles
• Hearty grains like oatmeal, quinoa, brown rice and basmati rice
• Fresh, herbaceous ingredients like mint, ginger and basil pesto
• Umami-heavy ingredients like craft beer, miso and mushrooms
• Salty ingredients like olives, capers and anchovies
• Meat and poultry – including beef, lamb, pork, bacon, chicken and duck
• Classic dessert friends to prunes like chocolate, caramel, honey, maple syrup, ice cream, coffee, tea, brandy and cognac

Tip: Use a wet knife when slicing or dicing prunes, so they don’t stick to the knife.

Snacking on Prunes

When a package of California Prunes is in the pantry all year round, it’s easy to grab a few as a portable and convenient snack. They’re ready to eat and shelf-stable, with no prep or refrigeration required. Enjoy four to six prunes (depending on size) as a serving of fruit – either alone or paired with a protein source like nuts or cheese.

Learn more about the nutrition and health benefits of snacking on prunes.