Prune (Dried Plum)

Dried plums — the name increasingly used in place of “prunes” — are plums that have been dehydrated to produce a shelf-stable, nutrient-dense dried fruit. They have a deep purple-black colour, a pleasantly sticky-chewy texture, and a flavour that balances sweetness with a subtle tartness.

As a cooking ingredient, dried plums are remarkably versatile. They can be simmered into compotes, chopped into stuffings and grain salads, puréed as a natural sweetener in baking (replacing some sugar and fat), or paired with cheese and nuts on a grazing platter. Their affinity with warm spices like cinnamon, star anise, and clove makes them natural partners for winter cooking.

Dried plums are widely available in Australian supermarkets, sold pitted or unpitted. Pitted versions are more convenient for snacking and cooking, while unpitted prunes are sometimes preferred for slow-cooked dishes where the stone adds subtle flavour during braising.