Prune vs. Plum: What's the Difference?
Edited by Sumera Saeed || By Sawaira Riaz || Published on November 6, 2023
"Prune" is a dried plum, typically used as a snack or in cooking, while a "Plum" is a fresh, juicy fruit from the Prunus genus.
Key Differences
"Prune" refers to the dried version of certain types of plums, from the Prunus genus, and is often used in cooking and baking because of its sweet flavor and health benefits. "Plum," however, is the fresh fruit, known for its juicy texture, sweet taste, and deep color.
Sawaira Riaz
Nov 06, 2023
A "Prune" typically has a wrinkly texture, a result of the drying process which removes much of the water content found in the succulent "Plum." As a result, prunes are smaller and denser than their plum counterparts.
Sawaira Riaz
Nov 06, 2023
In terms of nutrition, "Prunes" are known for their high fiber content and are often recommended as a remedy for constipation. "Plums," being fresh fruits, contain more water and vitamin C, but less fiber compared to their dried counterparts, the prunes.
Sawaira Riaz
Nov 06, 2023
When talking about culinary uses, "Prunes" are often used in dishes like stewed prune, tagines, or even in stuffings because they hold their shape and offer a sweet flavor. "Plums," on the other hand, are more versatile in fresh culinary applications – they're eaten as is, or used in recipes for cakes, tarts, and jams.
Sawaira Riaz
Nov 06, 2023
From a botanical standpoint, "Prunes" and "Plums" come from the same family of fruit-bearing trees, but not all plum species are used to make prunes. Only specific varieties of "Plums" that are high in sugar, low in water, and free of bitterness are dried to become "Prunes."
Aimie Carlson
Nov 06, 2023
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Comparison Chart
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Prune and Plum Definitions
Prune
A dried version of a plum.
She added Prunes to her morning oatmeal for extra fiber.
Harlon Moss
Oct 20, 2023
Plum
A fruit with a rich, deep color, often reddish or purple.
The Plum's deep color made it stand out in the fruit bowl.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 20, 2023
Prune
A wrinkly fruit used in cooking.
The chef used Prunes to sweeten the tagine.
Janet White
Oct 20, 2023
Plum
Any of several shrubs or small trees of the genus Prunus of the rose family, especially the cultivated species P. domestica and P. salicina, bearing smooth-skinned, fleshy, edible fruit with a single stone.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 13, 2023
Prune
A fruit known for its digestive benefits.
He ate a few Prunes to alleviate his constipation.
Sara Rehman
Oct 20, 2023
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Prune
A sweet, chewy ingredient in desserts and dishes.
She made a delicious Prune and walnut cake.
Janet White
Oct 20, 2023
Prune
The partially dried fruit of any of several varieties of the common plum, Prunus domestica.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 13, 2023
Prune
To make a facial expression exhibiting ill temper or disgust
“Their faces prune at the slightest provocation” (James Wolcott).
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 13, 2023
Prune
To cut off or remove dead or living parts or branches of (a plant, for example) to improve shape or growth.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 13, 2023
Plum
An especially desirable position, assignment, or reward
An ambassadorship granted as a political plum.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 13, 2023
Plum
An edible, fleshy stone fruit of Prunus domestica (European plum), often of a dark red or purple colour.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 13, 2023
Plum
The edible, fleshy stone fruit of several species resembling the plum, or the tree from which they grow.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 13, 2023
Prune
To become wrinkled like a dried plum, as the fingers and toes do when kept submerged in water.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 13, 2023
Prune
To remove excess material from a tree or shrub; to trim, especially to make more healthy or productive.
A good grape grower will prune the vines once a year.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 13, 2023
Prune
To cut down or shorten (by the removal of unnecessary material).
To prune a budget, or an essay
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 13, 2023
Plum
A desirable or choice thing of its kind; a prize selection; a choice appointment, assignment etc.
The mayor rewarded his cronies with cushy plums, requiring little work for handsome pay.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 13, 2023
Prune
To lop or cut off the superfluous parts, branches, or shoots of; to clear of useless material; to shape or smooth by trimming; to trim: as, to prune trees; to prune an essay.
Taking into consideration how they [laws] are to be pruned and reformed.
Our delightful taskTo prune these growing plants, and tend these flowers.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 13, 2023
Prune
To cut off or cut out, as useless parts.
Horace will our superfluous branches prune.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 13, 2023
Prune
To preen; to prepare; to dress.
His royal birdPrunes the immortal wing and cloys his beak.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 13, 2023
Plum
(not comparable) Choice; especially lavish or preferred.
She landed a plum position as an executive for the firm.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 13, 2023
Prune
A plum; esp., a dried plum, used in cookery; as, French or Turkish prunes; California prunes.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 13, 2023
Plum
Completely; utterly.
You're going to think I'm plum crazy for this, but I want to adopt all seven kittens.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 13, 2023
Prune
Cultivate, tend, and cut back the growth of;
Dress the plants in the garden
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 13, 2023
Plum
The edible drupaceous fruit of the Prunus domestica, and of several other species of Prunus; also, the tree itself, usually called plum tree.
The bullace, the damson, and the numerous varieties of plum, of our gardens, although growing into thornless trees, are believed to be varieties of the blackthorn, produced by long cultivation.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 13, 2023
Prune
Weed out unwanted or unnecessary things;
We had to lose weight, so we cut the sugar from our diet
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 13, 2023
Prune
The dehydrated form of certain plum species.
Prunes are a staple in her pantry for daily snacking.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 20, 2023
Plum
A handsome fortune or property; formerly, in cant language, the sum of £100,000 sterling; also, the person possessing it.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 13, 2023
Plum
Something likened to a plum in desirableness; a good or choice thing of its kind, as among appointments, positions, parts of a book, etc.; as, the mayor rewarded his cronies with cushy plums, requiring little work for handsome pay
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 13, 2023
Plum
A color resembling that of a plum; a slightly grayish deep purple, varying somewhat in its red or blue tint.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 13, 2023
Plum
Any of several trees producing edible oval smooth-skinned fruit with a single hard stone
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 13, 2023
Plum
Any of numerous varieties of small to medium-sized round or oval smooth-skinned fruit with a single pit
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 13, 2023
Plum
Completely; used as intensifiers;
Clean forgot the appointment
I'm plumb (or plum) tuckered out
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 13, 2023
Plum
A juicy fruit from the Prunus genus.
He bit into the Plum, enjoying the sweet juice.
Janet White
Oct 20, 2023
Plum
A fruit with a central pit and smooth skin.
The Plum tree in her garden was laden with ripe fruit.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 20, 2023
Plum
A versatile ingredient in sweet and savory dishes.
She made a Plum sauce to go with the roasted duck.
Janet White
Oct 20, 2023
Plum
A fresh, sweet fruit often eaten raw.
They picked Plums and ate them in the summer sun.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 20, 2023
FAQs
What's the main difference between a "Prune" and a "Plum"?
A "Prune" is the dried version of a "Plum."
Sawaira Riaz
Nov 06, 2023
Can you make "Prunes" from all types of "Plums"?
No, prunes are typically made from specific types of plums that are high in sugar and low in water.
Sawaira Riaz
Nov 06, 2023
Why are "Prunes" associated with improved digestion?
They're high in fiber, which helps regulate digestive systems.
Sawaira Riaz
Nov 06, 2023
Are "Prunes" higher in sugar than "Plums"?
Yes, the drying process concentrates the natural sugars.
Sawaira Riaz
Nov 06, 2023
Are "Plums" used in cooking?
Yes, they're used in various recipes like sauces, desserts, and jams.
Janet White
Nov 06, 2023
Do "Prunes" have a different taste than "Plums"?
Prunes are sweeter due to concentrated sugars from drying.
Sawaira Riaz
Nov 06, 2023
How do you store "Plums"?
Keep them in a cool place, refrigerate for longer storage.
Janet White
Nov 06, 2023
Do "Prunes" lose nutrients in the drying process?
Some water-soluble nutrients may decrease, but fiber content increases.
Sawaira Riaz
Nov 06, 2023
Are "Prunes" considered a processed food?
They're naturally processed through drying, without added preservatives.
Sawaira Riaz
Nov 06, 2023
How do "Prunes" affect blood sugar?
Despite their sweetness, they have a low glycemic index score.
Sara Rehman
Nov 06, 2023
Are "Plums" sweet or sour?
They can be both, depending on the variety and ripeness.
Aimie Carlson
Nov 06, 2023
Do "Plums" have a lot of water content?
Yes, they're quite juicy and high in water.
Sara Rehman
Nov 06, 2023
How do "Prunes" contribute to bone health?
They're high in nutrients like potassium and vitamin K.
Harlon Moss
Nov 06, 2023
Are "Plums" available year-round?
They're seasonal, but available in stores most of the year.
Harlon Moss
Nov 06, 2023
What's the best way to eat a "Plum"?
They're delicious fresh, but also great in various cooked dishes.
Sawaira Riaz
Nov 06, 2023
About Author
Written by
Sawaira RiazSawaira is a dedicated content editor at difference.wiki, where she meticulously refines articles to ensure clarity and accuracy. With a keen eye for detail, she upholds the site's commitment to delivering insightful and precise content.
Edited by
Sumera SaeedSumera is an experienced content writer and editor with a niche in comparative analysis. At Diffeence Wiki, she crafts clear and unbiased comparisons to guide readers in making informed decisions. With a dedication to thorough research and quality, Sumera's work stands out in the digital realm. Off the clock, she enjoys reading and exploring diverse cultures.
