What does the dried plum contain?

Dried plums contain a good concentration of nutrients and in particular we have more sugars, mineral salts, vitamins and fibers.

Vitamins include many beta-carotenes, vitamins A, C and K as well as other substances such as lutein and zeaxanthin.

In the plums there is also a good amount of amino acids including alanine, lysine, tryptophan, phenylalanine. Among the mineral salts, the presence of potassium, magnesium and zinc stands out.

Still, prunes are rich in antioxidants and active ingredients that reduce the activity of free radicals responsible for cellular aging.

Dried plums reach 220 kcal per 100 g of pulp compared to fresh plums, which touch only 40 kcal per 100 grams of fruit. Dried plums are therefore much more concentrated than fresh plums.

Properties of dried plum

Dried plums help keep us young thanks to the presence of antioxidant substances which, in addition to counteracting the effect of free radicals, also have an anticancer action .

The presence of fibers helps intestinal transit and prunes are also known for their laxative properties . Dried plum with its fibers and propionic acid is also a regulator of bad LDL cholesterol and is even recommended for menopausal women who have osteoporosis problems.

Finally, prunes are an aid against seasonal diseases such as coughs and colds so they can be used as allies of our well-being throughout the year.

Prunes: ideas in the kitchen

Dried plums are a very common ingredient and we usually have them in our homes, so they can become a great idea for special dishes.

Couscous and plum tajine

Why not start with a first course of spicy couscous with prunes? Chicken pieces or a vegan version of seitan morsels can also be added.

First we put the previously soaked prunes, then add the chicken or the seitan and finally the couscous with the chili and cinnamon spices that will bind the flavors together very well with the prunes.

We will use for cooking the traditional instrument of the tajine, a glazed terracotta pot suitable for slow cooking . This cooking will give a special taste to our dish and it will be a real pleasure to taste its oriental taste.

Dried plums with cheese and garlic

The second recipe is always salty and sees the preparation of dried prunes stuffed with goat's or soy cheese with the addition of garlic and oil seeds.

Plums are previously soaked for 15 minutes. Apart from this, we will prepare a mixture of cheese, garlic and walnut seeds, hazelnuts or well chopped cashews.

The filling must be homogeneous and the garlic with the seeds must be very small. Once the filling is mixed we will easily fill the plums following the cut where they were pitted. We put everything in the fridge or serve it to taste in a nice serving dish. These plums are an excellent side dish but also a pleasant appetizer .

Speedy Strudel

For a dessert that is quick to prepare at the last minute, we can think of this strudel with apples and plums . We will have to have a pack of puff pastry ready, 2 large apples, better if floury, and at least a dozen prunes.

Remove the peel from the apples and cut the apples and prunes previously soaked into small pieces . We crush the fruit well and we can also add a little oil seeds like well chopped walnuts.

This fruit mixture will then be placed in the center of the puff pastry which will be closed to form a sealed roll even in the two ends. At this point it will be sufficient to bake in the oven at 180 ° for about 30 minutes.

Opening photo: belchonock / 123rf.com