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Through this newsletter we aim to keep you updated on new research relevant to dried fruit, in particular prunes (dried plums), plus nutrition news, recipes and anything else we as fellow dietitians and nutritionists find interesting, so want to share with you!
Not another newsletter? Don’t worry- we’re keeping it to brief headlines only, so if you have any questions or would like more information, or copies of the references, just get in touch.
Who are CPB? The California Prune Board, under the authority of the California Secretary of Food and Agriculture represents the entire 900 prune plums growers and 29 prune packers of California, which is the largest producer of prunes in the world and known to be the best quality due to the regions’ rigorous harvesting techniques and quality control assessments. The premium produce is supplied to 72 countries worldwide and the region contributes 43% of the world’s prune supplies and 99% of the United States’ prune supplies.
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| Dried fruit & dental health- dilemma, controversy or compromise? |
Dried fruit such as prunes make excellent convenience fruit snacks- being portable and long life. BUT ask a dentist and advice can be confusing. As good as the new EATWELL Guide is, we have to ask why dried fruit is still limited to one portion of 5-a-day? Because it’s always been that way? On what scientific grounds? A between meal sweet addict might be more inclined to switch to snacking on prunes than fresh apples or pears, as a first step towards a healthier diet. Would this be a problem? What’s your view - we’d love to hear from you.
The California Prune Board have taken this matter seriously and commissioned Dr Michele Sadler to review the research literature. Michele presented her preliminary findings at a HCP seminar in 2015 and her paper has now been published in International Journal of Food Sciences and Nutrition.¹ Oral health is a complex issue and this literature review shows a lack of consistent data such that more research is needed to ensure evidence-based practice. Prunes can provide some potential benefits including:
- Chewing to encourage salivary flow
- Anti-microbial properties due to polyphenol content
- Cleansing action from fibre
- Low fermentability as high in sorbitol and low in sucrose
| Beware free sugars added to dried fruits - here’s how they are classified²: |
Traditional/conventional: no added sugar, e.g. dates, figs, prunes, raisins, apricots, peaches, apples and pearsSweetened: infused with sugar solutions (such as sucrose syrup) or fruit juice concentrates prior to drying e.g. blueberries, cranberries, cherries, strawberries, and mangoes
Candied fruits: sold as, but technically not dried fruits! e.g. papayas and pineapples |
| Ground Control To Major Tim, Eat Some California Prunes! |
Prunes have been investigated for use in space due to their promising potential as an aid to preserving bone mass. Research on prunes and bone health is an exciting area of current interest and not just for us on Earth! See our press release for more details.
| Natural, nutritious and versatile |
A brilliantly easy fibre boost to any breakfast - adding 3.5g fibre per portion to our prune porridge recipe below.
CALIFORNIA PRUNE PORRIDGEServes 4 Prep time: 10 minutes
Ingredients200g (20 prunes) California prunes
180g porridge oats
600ml milk
Mixture of toppings: Flax, pumpkin, sunflower seeds, nuts, chai seeds, fresh berries, goji berries, chopped fresh fruit in season
MethodPlace the porridge and milk in a large saucepan and place over a low heat. Add the whole or chopped California prunes and cook for approximately 10 minutes, adding more milk if needed. Alternatively cook in the microwave.
Once cooked, divide the porridge into bowls and top with toppings of choice.
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