California Prunes = Flavor + Versatility
California Prunes taste—and pair—like no other prunes in the world. Rich and smooth, with an ability to enhance both sweet and savory flavors, California Prunes are naturally nutritious and surprisingly versatile.
Explore Prune Flavor Pairings
From dark chocolate to craft beer and miso to anchovies, California Prunes pair perfectly with a wide array of ingredients. They not only lend delicious sweetness and depth of flavor to dishes, but offer a “meaty” texture too, which makes plant-based dishes more satisfying.
Dark | Earthy | Toasty | Cooked
| California Prunes And… | Tasting Notes |
|---|---|
| Walnuts | Earthy, Tannins, Bitter, Fatty |
| Miso | Fermented, Salty, Sweet |
| Dark Chocolate | Bitter, Tannins, Sweet, Earthy, Deep |
| Craft Beer | Fermented, Sweet, Bitter, Umami |
| Prosciutto | Salty, Fatty, Creamy, Umami |
| Olive Oil | Bitter, Mouthfeel, Fatty, Peppery |
| Ginger | Earthy, Spicy, Wintery, Zingy |
| Squash | Earthy, Neutral, Sweet, Vegetal, Autumnal |
Bright | Contrasting | Fresh
| California Prunes And… | Tasting Notes |
|---|---|
| Olives | Salty, Briny, Umami, Green |
| Mint | Fresh, Herbal, Spicy, Green |
| Feta | Tart, Salty, Creamy, Briny, Umami |
| Grapefruit | Sour, Bitter, Citrus, Bright, Fresh |
| Pomegranate | Astringent, Sharp, Fresh, Zingy |
| Passionfruit | Sharp, Sweet, Fruity, Fresh |
| Bitter Greens (Endive) |
Bitter, Fresh, Green |
| Preserved Lemon | Citrus, Salty, Bright, Bitter |
Featured Parings + Ideas:
Profiles: Key Prune Flavor Pairings
- California Prunes + Walnuts = Earthy, Tannins, Bitter, Fatty
- California Prunes + Miso = Fermented, Salty, Sweet
- California Prunes + Anchovy = Umami, Salty, Sweet, Savory, Earthy
- California Prunes + Ginger = Earthy, Spicy, Winter, Zingy
- California Prunes + Fresh Herbs = Fresh, Herbal, Green
- California Prunes + Feta = Tart, Salty, Creamy, Briny, Umami
- California Prunes + Squash = Earthy, Neutral, Sweet, Vegetal, Autumnal
- California Prunes + Warm Spices = Sweet, Spicy, Autumnal
- California Prunes + Chocolate = Sweet, Earthy, Deep
- California Prunes + Olives = Briny, Salty, Umami
Cooking Ideas + Tips
Whole, diced, or pureed, California Prunes go with proteins and grains, on salads and cereals, and in sauces and baked goods. Here are some tips for incorporating prunes into dishes every day.
Have a Snack
California Prunes are delicious straight from the bag or box. They are portable, convenient, and require no prep work or refrigeration. Keep a bag in your car, office, pantry and gym bag to always have some fruit on hand.
Pair With Unexpected Ingredients
From dark chocolate to craft beer, miso to anchovies, prunes pair perfectly with a wide array of ingredients. They lend a delicious sweetness, and a “meaty” texture for satisfying plant-based dishes. The fabulous prune flavor pairings are almost endless.
Make a Sugar Swap
The natural sweetness of prunes make them a perfect ingredient for reducing sugar. Try adding diced prunes to baked goods for a chewy pop of sweetness, reduce prune juice for a versatile glaze for meats or vegetables, or add prune puree to sauces and dressings to balance acidic flavors.
Add to Recipes for Moisture + as a Fat Replacement
Because of the natural moisture and fiber content in prunes, adding prune puree to baked goods results in a product that is more moist, even with reduced oil – without sacrificing flavor. From cookies to cakes, and even meat dishes like meatballs and burgers, prunes can be your secret ingredient for achieving the perfect texture.