Purchases in front of plums – discover the surprising relationship between these two fruits and their health benefits. Discover more now!

Pasas plums, derived from plums, are usually labeled as dry plums. Although they may seem similar in appearance, passing plums and dry plums have clear differences in their taste, texture and nutritional profile. Pasas plums are known for their sweet and acidic taste, as well as for their wrinkled appearance. They are a popular option in kitchen and pastry for its rich and deep flavor, which adds a unique touch to both salty and sweet dishes.

Let us now deepen the nutritional benefits offered by gurrent plums. Despite their small size, raisins are very beneficial for health. Rich in essential vitamins, minerals and dietary fiber, raisins contribute to general wel l-being and play an important role in maintaining good health. The following table presents a breakdown of the main nutrients of the passwords:

Pasas plums are an excellent dietary fiber source, which facilitates digestion and helps prevent constipation. They also contain high levels of potassium, which favors the health of the heart and helps maintain adequate levels of blood pressure.

In addition to these nutritional benefits, the consumption of raisins has been associated with possible advantages for health. Pasas plums are full of antioxidants, such as phenolic and flavonoid compounds, which have ant i-inflammatory properties and help protect against cell damage caused by free radicals. They are also known for their positive impact on bone health, since they are a source rich in vitamin K and Boro, which play a crucial role in mineralization and maintenance of bones.

Origins and Characteristics of Prunes

Pasas, meanwhile, come from varieties of plums that are cultivated specifically for drying. These varieties usually have a higher sugar content and a lower water content, which makes them ideal for the drying process. Purchases are usually dried by means of natural dehydration or artificial means, such as drying or ovens tunnels.

Important information:

• Pasas plums come from specially cultivated varieties that are ideal for drying.
• They have a higher sugar content and a lower water content compared to fresh plums.
• Prunes can be dried using natural methods or artificial dehydration techniques.

Prunes have distinctive characteristics that set them apart from fresh plums. When dried, they take on a wrinkled appearance, a result of moisture loss during the drying process. The texture of prunes is denser and chewier than that of fresh plums, and their concentrated sweetness is more pronounced in their dried form.

Important information:

1. Prunes have a wrinkled appearance due to moisture loss during drying.
2. Its texture is denser and chewier than that of fresh plums.
3. Prunes have a concentrated sweetness that is more prominent in their dried form.

The nutritional composition of prunes is also noteworthy. They are rich in dietary fiber, sorbitol (a type of sugar alcohol), antioxidants, and various vitamins and minerals. Prunes are especially known for their natural laxative effects due to their high fiber content. In addition, they contain compounds that may be beneficial to health, such as polyphenols and phytochemicals.

Overall, prunes are not only a delicious and versatile food, but also a source of unique nutritional properties that can contribute to a healthy diet.

The historical background of prunes

The origin of prunes dates back to ancient times, with references to these dried plums found in ancient texts and archaeological remains. The history of prunes is long and fascinating, as they have gone from being a simple fruit to becoming a widely consumed dehydrated snack with important medicinal benefits.

Historically, prunes were considered a delicacy and were prized for their sweet and tart flavor. The cultivation of plums and their subsequent drying process dates back thousands of years, with evidence suggesting that prunes were consumed in ancient Mesopotamia and Egypt. The popularity of prunes spread to ancient Greece and Rome, where they were praised for their therapeutic properties.

The ancient Egyptians and Greeks recognized the laxative effect of prunes and used them as a natural remedy for constipation.

• In ancient Egypt, prunes were consumed to improve digestive health and relieve symptoms of gastrointestinal discomfort.
• The Greeks believed that prunes had purifying properties and were beneficial for general well-being.

The traditional medicine texts of these ancient societies often mentioned the positive effects of plums for digestive health, which reinforced their status as valuable therapeutic food. With the passage of time, the cultivation and production of passing plums extended throughout Europe, and its medicinal benefits remained recognized.

1. In the twelfth century, Arab doctors praised plums passed through their ability to regulate digestion and treat indigestion.
2. In the sixteenth century, European herbalists documented the use of prayers to relieve constipation and clean the colon.
3. In the nineteenth century, passing plums became a basic food in many homes as an effective natural remedy for various digestive ailments.

The historical background of passing plums reveal their lasting reputation as valuable food with medicinal properties. From ancient civilizations to the modern era, passing plums have been appreciated and used for their unique health benefits, which makes them an integral part of the history of humanity.

Physical Appearance and Taste of Prunes

The texture of raisins can be described as sticky and chewable, with a slightly viscous consistency due to its high sugar content. Despite their wrinkled appearance, raisins have a soft and tender pulp. The taste of raisid plums is usually described as sweet and rich, with a concentrated flavor that endures in the palate.

Important information:

• Pasas plums are dry plums that have a wrinkled and wrinkled texture.
• The intense purple in black purple color indicates its high antioxidant content.
• Pasas plums have a sticky and chewable texture with a slightly viscous consistency.
• The taste of raisin plums is sweet and rich, with a concentrated flavor.

Cultivation and Production of Prunes

The cultivation of raisins usually begins with the selection of the most suitable plum varieties for drying. These varieties are chosen by their high sugar content and their ability to preserve flavor and texture when dried. Pruning plums require specific cultivation conditions, such as full sunlight, well drained soil and constant irrigation. Appropriate pruning techniques are used to maintain the health of the tree and promote fruit production.

Pasas plums are usually collected at the end of summer, when they are completely mature. The plums are collected by hand or machine. The plums collected are selected to eliminate damaged or immature.

Once collected and classified, plums are subjected to a dehydration process to become passing plums. This can be done through natural drying methods or using specialized drying equipment. Natural drying consists in extending plums in large trays and exposing them to the sun and air until they reach the desired moisture content. As an alternative, plums can be dried in large drying chambers equipped with controlled temperature and humidity settings.

1. The drying process lasts several days or weeks, depending on the specific method used and environmental conditions.
2. As plums dry, their moisture content decreases, which translates into intensified concentrated flavors.

After drying, passing plums are inspected and classified again to ensure that they meet quality standards. Next, they are packaged and stored in hermetic containers to preserve their flavor and avoid moisture absorption. Pasas plums are a versatile ingredient that is used in both salty and sweet dishes, and are also consumed as snack or added to various baked and dessert products.

Popular Prune-Growing Regions

1. California, USA: California is famous for its production of racies and is one of the largest producing regions in the world. The Mediterranean climate, with its warm and dry summers, offers the ideal conditions for the garden of plums. The Central Valley of California, especially the valleys of Sacramento and San Joaquín, houses numerous passwords of raisins that benefit from a fertile soil and wide sunlight.

California, USA: One of the largest producing regions of the world’s plums, known for its Mediterranean climate and fertile soil in the central valley.

2. Agen, France: Agen, located in the Aquitaine region of southwestern France, has long been associated with the production of high-quality prunes. The local variety of plums, known as the Agen plum, is highly prized for its rich flavor and high sugar content. The unique microclimate, characterized by warm summers and mild winters, together with the rich alluvial soil next to the Garonne River, make Agen an ideal location for growing prunes.

Agen, France: Known for its production of high-quality prunes, Agen benefits from a unique microclimate and fertile soil next to the Garonne River.

3. Sultana, South Africa: Sultana, a small town located in the Western Cape province of South Africa, is becoming a major prune-producing region. The surrounding mountain ranges protect from extreme weather conditions, while the Mediterranean climate, with hot, dry summers and cool, wet winters, creates favorable conditions for growing plums. The fertile soils of Sultana’s valleys and slopes contribute to the development of tasty prunes.

Sultana, South Africa: An emerging plum-growing region with a Mediterranean climate and fertile soils in the valleys and hillsides.

• Prunes are rich in fiber, sorbitol and phenolic compounds.
• California (USA) is one of the largest prune-producing regions.
• Agen (France) is famous for its production of high-quality prunes.
• Sultana (South Africa) is becoming an important prune-producing region.

Harvesting and Processing Techniques

Collection techniques:

1. Harvesting time: Harvesting prunes is normally done when they are fully ripe, but before they become overripe. This phase guarantees optimal sweetness and texture.
2. Hand Picking: Prunes are usually picked by hand to ensure that only ripe plums with the desired characteristics are picked. This method allows for careful selection and avoids damaging the fruits.
3. Tree Shaking: In large-scale prune production, mechanical shakers are used to loosen ripe plums from trees. This method is faster and more efficient than manual collection.

Important information: The moment of harvest is crucial to ensure that plums have reached their maximum taste and sugar content. This, in turn, affects the general quality of the racies produced. Adequate selection and manipulation techniques during collection help maintain the integrity of the fruits and avoid any damage that could affect their flavor and texture.

Processing techniques:

• Washing: After the harvest, plums are washed thoroughly to eliminate any dirt or impurity.
• Bonely: boneless is the process of eliminating plum bones. It can be done manually or with automated equipment.
• Drying: plums are dried using various methods, such as sun drying or dehydration. This process eliminates moisture and transforms plums into raisins.
• Calibrated and classification: Once dry, raisins are classified by size and quality. This guarantees the consistency of the final product.

IMPORTANT INFORMATION: It is essential to properly wash and bone plums to maintain hygiene and avoid the presence of unwanted substances in the final product. The drying process eliminates moisture, which contributes to prolonging the useful life of raisins. The classification by size and quality guarantees uniformity and increases customer satisfaction.

Nutritional Value and Health Benefits of Prunes

NUTRITIVE VALUE: Pasas plums are a rich source of vitamins and minerals. They are especially rich in fiber, since they contain about 7 grams of fiber by ration. This high fiber content helps maintain digestive health and prevent constipation. Pasas plums are also a good source of potassium, important to maintain healthy blood voltage levels.

Incorporating prunes into your diet can offer a number of health benefits due to their exceptional nutrient profile. Whether consumed alone or added to dishes, prunes can be a versatile and beneficial addition to a balanced diet.

Additionally, prunes have a low glycemic index, making them suitable for diabetics or those who want to control their blood sugar levels. They also contain sorbitol, a natural sugar alcohol that acts as a mild laxative.

Essential nutrients found in prunes

1. Fiber: Prunes are a fantastic source of dietary fiber, essential for maintaining a healthy digestive system. Just one serving of prunes can provide a significant amount of your recommended daily fiber intake.

• Dietary fiber helps prevent constipation and promotes regular bowel movements.
• Helps regulate blood sugar levels and improve overall glycemic control.
• Fiber can also help control weight by promoting feelings of satiety and reducing the risk of overeating.

2. Antioxidants: Prunes are rich in antioxidants, such as phenolic compounds and flavonoids, which play a crucial role in protecting the body against oxidative stress and reducing the risk of chronic diseases.

• The antioxidants present in prunes help neutralize harmful free radicals, preventing damage to cells and DNA.
• They can contribute to the health of the immune system by strengthening the body’s defense mechanisms.
• Antioxidants also have anti-inflammatory properties, which can help reduce inflammation in the body.

3. Vitamins and minerals: Prunes are an excellent source of various vitamins and minerals essential for general health and well-being.

• Prunes contain significant amounts of vitamin K, which plays a crucial role in blood clotting and bone health.
• They are also full of potassium, a mineral that promotes heart health and helps maintain adequate blood pressure levels.
• Other vitamins and minerals present in prunes are vitamin A, vitamin C, manganese and copper.

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Author of the article

Dr.Greenblatt M.

Medical oncologist at the Robert Larner College of Medicine, MD, at the University of Vermont