Nutritional Value Of Prunes

Prunes (Prunus domestica) are dried fruits made of a variety of plums, the most common amongst which are the European plums. Prunes are known for their sweet taste and chewy texture and are either eaten raw or used in making desserts, sweet dishes, etc. The common varieties of prunes found commercially are Sutter, Tulare Giant, Moyer, Imperial, Italian, and Greengage. The entire process of making prunes by drying plums originated thousands of years ago, in a certain area very close to the Caspian Sea. Gradually, due to the intermingling of different cultures and civilizations, the fruit spread to different parts of Europe, where it became very famous. It was only during the middle part of the 19^th century that the process of drying plums to produce prunes took place in California. Today, this region is one of the leading producers of this variety of dried fruit. A high source of vitamins and minerals, prunes are known for their medicinal effects on human health and hygiene. Given below is a Food Rating Chart which will help you to get a better idea about the high nutritional value of prunes.

Prunes Nutrition Facts

Amount of Prunes: 1 cup (pitted)

Total Weight of Prunes: 174 grams

Nutrients	Amount
Basic Components
Protein	3.8 g
Carbohydrates	111 g
Water	53.8 g
Ash	4.6 g
Calories
Total Calories	1750 KJ
Calories From Fat	23.0 KJ
Calories From Carbohydrate Calories From Protein	1671 KJ 53.2 KJ
Carbohydrates
Dietary Fiber	12.4 g
Starch	8.9 g
Sugars	66.3 g
Glucose	44303 mg
Sucrose	261 mg
Fructose	21664 mg
Maltose	104 mg
Fats
Total Fat	0.7 g
Saturated Fat	0.2 g
Mono Fat	0.1 g
Poly Fat	0.1 g
Vitamins
Vitamin A	1359 IU
Vitamin A Retinol Activity Equivalent Alpha Carotene Beta Carotene	67.9 mcg 99.2 mcg 686 mcg
Thiamin	0.1 mg
Riboflavin	0.3 mg
Niacin	3.3 mg
Vitamin B6	0.4 mg
Betaine	0.7 mg
Vitamin C	1.0 mg
Vitamin E (Alpha Tocopherol)	0.7 mg
Folate	7.0 mcg
Vitamin K	104 mcg
Pantothenic Acid	0.7 mg
Minerals
Calcium	74.8 mg
Copper	0.5 mg
Iron	1.6 mg
Magnesium	71.3 mg
Manganese	0.5 mg
Phosphorus	120 mg
Potassium	1274 mg
Selenium	0.5 mcg
Sodium	3.5 mg
Zinc	0.8 mg
Saturated Fats
16:0 Palmitic	52.2 mg
18:0 Stearic	76.6 mg
Mono Fats
18:1 Oleic	24.4 mg
Poly Fats
18:2 Linoleic	76.6 mg
18:3 Linolenic	29.6 mg
Other Fats
Omega 3 Fatty Acids	29.6 mg
Omega 6 Fatty Acids	76.6 mg
Amino Acids
Alanine	115 mg
Arginine	64.4 mg
Aspartate	1394 mg
Cystine	19.1 mg
Glutamate	198 mg
Glycine	81.8 mg
Histidine	47.0 mg
Isoleucine	71.3 mg
Leucine	115 mg
Lysine	87.0 mg
Methionine	27.3 mg
Phenylalanine	181 mg
Proline	226 mg
Serine	103 mg
Threonine	85.3 mg
Tryptophan	43.5 mg
Tyrosine	36.5 mg
Valine	97.4 mg

Buying & Storing Tips

While purchasing prunes, always go for the varieties that are plump, shiny, free of moulds and relatively soft.
It is always better to choose prunes when they have been kept in transparent containers, as this will enable you to evaluate their quality.
In case the fruits have been packed in opaque containers, make sure that the container has been sealed tightly. This is to ensure that the fruits are fresh and there is no loss of any moisture content.
Check for the presence of any form of preservatives, like sulfites, while purchasing the fruit. This is because certain people are sensitive to sulfites and may experience symptoms like rapid heartbeat, disorientation or headache.
For storing prunes, place them in a cool, dark and dry room, in an airtight container. This way, they can be stored for several months.
If you want to store prunes for a period of about 6 months, keep them in a tight container inside the refrigerator. This will keep them fresh and unspoiled.

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