FAQs

We are California Prunes! While California Prunes have sometimes been referred to as California Dried Plums in the past, we are returning to our roots and embracing our essence and proclaiming the wonders of California Prunes with pride.

Everything! It’s the legendary Petit d’Agen plum that was brought to California from France during the Gold Rush and grafted onto wild American plum stock. It’s the long growing seasons in California’s lush valleys with rich soil warmed by a steady sun. It’s the hundreds of farmers who hand-tend each tree to cultivate the perfect fruit. It’s the most rigorous farming standards of any place on earth. It’s the practice of drying prunes in climate-controlled tunnels, which California farmers have honed into a precise art, balancing temperature, humidity and time. It is all of these things combined that make a prune a California Prune.

California Prunes are a very versatile fruit available in retail stores in various forms including whole prunes, pitted prunes, diced prunes, and prune juice. You can find prunes in the bulk and baking aisles at most retail stores.

Once a package of California Prunes has been opened, it should be resealed and stored under cool, dry conditions. Sealing the unused prunes in an airtight container and storing them in the refrigerator will also help keep them moist and juicy.

Good gut health is key to overall health and prunes contribute to digestive in several ways: they deliver fiber, sorbitol, and polyphenols, which act as antioxidants in the diet. What’s more, boosting your antioxidant intake can help provide added protection for the body against heart, eye, memory and immune system issues.

One serving is 4-6 prunes and contains under 100 calories, 3g fiber, 280mg potassium, 35mcg vitamin K, no added sugar, cholesterol, sodium or fat.

Yes! Prunes are good for your gut, your heart, and even your bones. Prunes contain dietary fiber and other nutrients to support good gut health, 280 mg potassium (6% Daily Value) to support heart health, and vitamin K, copper, boron and several antioxidants to support healthy bones.

Whole, diced, or pureed, they go with proteins and grains, on salads and cereals, and in sauces and baked goods. Prunes are surprisingly versatile as an ingredient in savory and sweet dishes. And, because of their natural sweetness and moisture content, you can reduce sugar and even oil in recipes made with prunes and prune puree. Try adding prune puree to your next batch of chocolate chip cookies for that perfectly soft-baked texture, toss some diced prunes into your next salad for a sweet and chewy bite, or blend prunes with vinegar and herbs for a surprisingly delicious pizza sauce – the possibilities are endless!

California Prunes taste – and pair – like no other prunes in the world. The fruit’s earthy, umami qualities pair with salty, acidic and fermented ingredients such as olives, capers, vinegar and tamari. Prunes also pair very well in recipes that utilize rich and complex flavor notes – like espresso, chocolate and chilies. Experiment with prunes and find your own favorite unexpected prune flavor combinations. Find more prune flavor pairing inspiration here.

Yes! Any food product that is made of 100% plants is considered plant-based. Fruits and vegetables in any form (fresh, canned, frozen, dried, and 100% juice) are plant foods, too. California Prunes are vegetarian and vegan friendly because they are plant-based only. California Prunes pack a powerful punch of important vitamins and minerals – such as Vitamin K, potassium, copper, and boron – as well as antioxidants and fiber that are ideal for anyone, including those following a vegetarian or vegan diet. The combination of nutrients in California Prunes help support overall health and wellness for any life stage or lifestyle. In particular, recent research shows California Prunes are good for bone health which may be of special interest to those enjoying a vegetarian or vegan diet. Additionally, California Prunes have no cholesterol, sodium, fat, or added sugars. Enjoy!