Prune vs. Plum: What's the Difference?
Edited by Harlon Moss || By Janet White || 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.
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.
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.
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.
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."
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Comparison Chart
State
Dried
Fresh
Texture
Wrinkly and chewy
Smooth and juicy
Sugar Content
Higher (due to drying)
Lower
Water Content
Low
High
Culinary Use
Stews, stuffings, snacks
Fresh eating, tarts, jams
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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.
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.
Prune
A wrinkly fruit used in cooking.
The chef used Prunes to sweeten the tagine.
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.
Prune
A fruit known for its digestive benefits.
He ate a few Prunes to alleviate his constipation.
Plum
The fruit of any of these trees.
Prune
A sweet, chewy ingredient in desserts and dishes.
She made a delicious Prune and walnut cake.
Plum
Any of several trees bearing plumlike fruit.
Prune
The partially dried fruit of any of several varieties of the common plum, Prunus domestica.
Plum
The fruit of such a tree.
Prune
Any kind of plum that can be dried without spoiling.
Plum
A raisin, when added to a pudding or cake.
Prune
(Slang) An ill-tempered, stupid, or incompetent person.
Plum
A sugarplum.
Prune
To make a facial expression exhibiting ill temper or disgust
“Their faces prune at the slightest provocation” (James Wolcott).
Plum
A dark purple to deep reddish purple.
Prune
To cut off or remove dead or living parts or branches of (a plant, for example) to improve shape or growth.
Plum
An especially desirable position, assignment, or reward
An ambassadorship granted as a political plum.
Prune
To remove or cut out as superfluous.
Plum
Variant of plumb.
Prune
To reduce
Prune a budget.
Plum
Variant of plumb.
Prune
To remove what is superfluous or undesirable.
Plum
The fruit and its tree.
Prune
(obsolete) A plum.
Plum
An edible, fleshy stone fruit of Prunus domestica (European plum), often of a dark red or purple colour.
Prune
The dried, wrinkled fruit of certain species of plum.
Plum
A stone-fruit tree which bears this fruit, Prunus domestica.
Prune
(figurative) Something wrinkly like a prune.
Plum
The edible, fleshy stone fruit of several species resembling the plum, or the tree from which they grow.
Prune
(slang) An old woman, especially a wrinkly one.
Plum
A dried grape or raisin, as used in a pudding or cake.
Prune
To become wrinkled like a dried plum, as the fingers and toes do when kept submerged in water.
Plum
Extended senses.
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.
Plum
One hundred thousand pounds; generally a fortune.
Prune
To cut down or shorten (by the removal of unnecessary material).
To prune a budget, or an essay
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.
Prune
To remove unnecessary branches from a tree data structure.
Plum
A dark bluish-red color/colour, the colour of some plums.
Prune
(obsolete) To preen; to prepare; to dress.
Plum
A testicle.
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.
Plum
A fool, an idiot.
Prune
To cut off or cut out, as useless parts.
Horace will our superfluous branches prune.
Plum
(comparable) Of a dark bluish-red colour.
Prune
To preen; to prepare; to dress.
His royal birdPrunes the immortal wing and cloys his beak.
Plum
(not comparable) Choice; especially lavish or preferred.
She landed a plum position as an executive for the firm.
Prune
To dress; to prink; -used humorously or in contempt.
Plum
Plumb
Prune
A plum; esp., a dried plum, used in cookery; as, French or Turkish prunes; California prunes.
Plum
Completely; utterly.
You're going to think I'm plum crazy for this, but I want to adopt all seven kittens.
Prune
Dried plum
Plum
(mining) To plumb.
Prune
Cultivate, tend, and cut back the growth of;
Dress the plants in the garden
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.
Prune
Weed out unwanted or unnecessary things;
We had to lose weight, so we cut the sugar from our diet
Plum
A grape dried in the sun; a raisin.
Prune
The dehydrated form of certain plum species.
Prunes are a staple in her pantry for daily snacking.
Plum
A handsome fortune or property; formerly, in cant language, the sum of £100,000 sterling; also, the person possessing it.
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
Plum
A color resembling that of a plum; a slightly grayish deep purple, varying somewhat in its red or blue tint.
Plum
Any of several trees producing edible oval smooth-skinned fruit with a single hard stone
Plum
Any of numerous varieties of small to medium-sized round or oval smooth-skinned fruit with a single pit
Plum
Exactly;
Fell plumb in the middle of the puddle
Plum
Completely; used as intensifiers;
Clean forgot the appointment
I'm plumb (or plum) tuckered out
Plum
A juicy fruit from the Prunus genus.
He bit into the Plum, enjoying the sweet juice.
Plum
A fruit with a central pit and smooth skin.
The Plum tree in her garden was laden with ripe fruit.
Plum
A versatile ingredient in sweet and savory dishes.
She made a Plum sauce to go with the roasted duck.
Plum
A fresh, sweet fruit often eaten raw.
They picked Plums and ate them in the summer sun.
FAQs
What's the main difference between a "Prune" and a "Plum"?
A "Prune" is the dried version of a "Plum."
Can you eat a "Plum" skin?
Absolutely, plum skin is edible and nutritious.
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.
Why are "Prunes" associated with improved digestion?
They're high in fiber, which helps regulate digestive systems.
Are "Prunes" higher in sugar than "Plums"?
Yes, the drying process concentrates the natural sugars.
Are "Plums" used in cooking?
Yes, they're used in various recipes like sauces, desserts, and jams.
Do "Prunes" have a different taste than "Plums"?
Prunes are sweeter due to concentrated sugars from drying.
How do you store "Plums"?
Keep them in a cool place, refrigerate for longer storage.
Can "Prunes" be rehydrated?
Yes, typically by soaking in water or juice.
Do "Prunes" lose nutrients in the drying process?
Some water-soluble nutrients may decrease, but fiber content increases.
Are "Prunes" considered a processed food?
They're naturally processed through drying, without added preservatives.
How do "Prunes" affect blood sugar?
Despite their sweetness, they have a low glycemic index score.
Are "Plums" sweet or sour?
They can be both, depending on the variety and ripeness.
Do "Plums" have a lot of water content?
Yes, they're quite juicy and high in water.
How do "Prunes" contribute to bone health?
They're high in nutrients like potassium and vitamin K.
Can you cook with "Prunes"?
Absolutely, they're great in various dishes.
Are "Plums" available year-round?
They're seasonal, but available in stores most of the year.
What's the best way to eat a "Plum"?
They're delicious fresh, but also great in various cooked dishes.
Can you freeze "Plums"?
Yes, they can be frozen for future use.
What vitamins are in "Plums"?
They're a good source of vitamins C and K.
About Author
Written by
Janet WhiteJanet White has been an esteemed writer and blogger for Difference Wiki. Holding a Master's degree in Science and Medical Journalism from the prestigious Boston University, she has consistently demonstrated her expertise and passion for her field. When she's not immersed in her work, Janet relishes her time exercising, delving into a good book, and cherishing moments with friends and family.
Edited by
Harlon MossHarlon is a seasoned quality moderator and accomplished content writer for Difference Wiki. An alumnus of the prestigious University of California, he earned his degree in Computer Science. Leveraging his academic background, Harlon brings a meticulous and informed perspective to his work, ensuring content accuracy and excellence.
