California Pitted Prunes

Pitted prunes are dried plums, typically from the Italian plum variety. They are produced by dehydrating fresh plums, often using sun-drying or mechanical dehydrators, until they reach a specific moisture content. This process concentrates their natural sugars and softens their texture.

Prunes are used as a natural sweetener and to add moisture and a chewy texture to foods. They are common in baked goods, snack bars, cereals, and some savory dishes like stews and tagines. Their fiber content also contributes to the texture and structure of processed foods.

Prunes are a source of dietary fiber and sorbitol, which are known to aid digestion. The FDA recognizes prunes as a source of fiber. International bodies like EFSA have evaluated dried fruits, but specific evaluations for prunes may vary. While generally recognized as safe, excessive consumption may lead to digestive discomfort due to their sorbitol content.