Pitted prunes tend to be at a disadvantage when it comes to selecting dried fruit for snacks or to use in recipes. People tend to judge them unfairly. They think of dried prunes as an old-timey fruit used as a home remedy for digestive or laxative purposes. When referred to as dried plums, this fruit is respected for its nutritional value and wonderfully sweet flavor.
Growing Prune Trees
If you want to grow the prune tree that produces the fruit you want to dry at home, it’s best to purchase a young tree from a nursery in the spring. Patience is a requirement when waiting for plums to appear. It takes five years for the tree to produce fruit. An Italian prune plum tree is relatively resistant to pests and disease.
Making Prunes at Home
To make prunes at home, you need a supply of Italian prune plums, also known as Damson plums or European plums. Plums can be dried in the oven or a dehydrator. The beginning steps are the same. Wash the plums. Then, slice them in half and remove the pit. If you’re using a dehydrator, place the halves cut side down on the tray. Begin checking the plums after four hours and continue checking until they look dry. Then turn them over and continue drying, checking them every two hours until they no longer feel moist but are still pliable.
When making dried prunes in the oven, place them skin side up directly on the oven rack. Put a baking sheet lined with foil under the rack to catch drips that may occur during the drying process. Set the oven to 200 degrees. Check the plums every few hours to test for dryness. This process takes about eight hours.
Ways to Enjoy Dried Plums
Pitted prunes are nutritious snack food. They are also a great addition to trail mix or hot cereal. They can be used in many baked goods recipes. Stewed prunes are delicious and easy to prepare. They can be stewed in just water or you can enhance their flavor using vanilla, cinnamon, or whatever flavoring you prefer. Dried plums are also a great addition to beef or pork recipes.
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