National Prune Day Date in the current year: June 15, 2024

Prunes are dried plums, most commonly from the European plum (Prunus domestica). Although the term “prune” used to be applied to fresh plums as well, this is no longer true. Fresh plums may be called prunes only when referring to plum varieties that are grown for drying.

Plums used to make prunes have firm flesh, hold their shape well, and don’t ferment during drying. Prunes are typically make from the so-called freestone plum cultivars, where the pit is easy to remove, whereas plums that are intended to be consumed fresh are typically clingstone cultivars, where the pit is more difficult to remove.

Prunes are a source of dietary fiber, vitamin K, B vitamins, and a number dietary minerals (magnesium, manganese, phosphorus and potassium). Due to containing dietary fiber and sorbitol, prunes and prune juice (made from rehydrated prunes) have a mild laxative effect. Because of this, prunes have somewhat of a bad rep, but they are actually good for your digestion as long as you don’t overindulge.

Prunes can be eaten as a snack or used in various dishes, both sweet and savory. Whole and chopped prunes are widely used in baked goods such as cakes, pies, tarts, scones, cookies, muffins, quick breads, etc. They can also be used to make cereal bars and various no-bake desserts, or added to porridge and smoothies. Popular savory dishes with prunes include stews, baked or roasted meat, various salads, and turkey stuffing. Commercially, prunes are used to make alcoholic drinks and chocolate-covered prunes (a popular type of candy in some countries).

Prunes are a common ingredient in some national cuisines. For example, Algerian and Moroccan tajine – a type of stew made in earthenware pot – is often made with a combination of lamb and prunes. Tzimmes, an Ashkenazi Jewish stew, is made with carrots and other root vegetables and dried fruits such as raisins and prunes. In Ukraine, prunes are sometimes added to borscht, although they are not a part of most classic borscht recipes. Prune compote is a popular Scandinavian dessert that is traditionally served on Christmas Eve.

Given the popularity and versatility of prunes, it is not surprising that someone came up with the idea of dedicating a holiday to dried plums. The origins of National Prune Day are unclear; some sources claim that it has been celebrated since 1988, but there isn’t enough evidence to either confirm or deny this claim. Be that as it may, we think that prunes surely deserve to be enjoyed and celebrated!

There are many ways to celebrate National Prune Day. You can learn more about the health benefits of prunes and their culinary uses, snack on prunes and other dried fruit throughout the day, drink prune juice, cook something with prunes, add prunes to your smoothie or charcuterie board, visit a local farm that grows plums and makes prunes, and spread the word about the holiday on social media with the hashtags #NationalPruneDay and #PruneDay.