The True Potential of Dried Plums

Santa Ines Dried Plums | Photo Credit: Josiah Andrews.

Have you ever cooked with Dried Plums (also known as Prunes?) They are certainly underrated, but their moist, rich, and sweet flavors help to heighten the taste of other ingredients and make both sweet and savory dishes more complex in flavor. They are also extremely versatile for uses in salads, entrées, sauces, desserts, appetizers, and charcuterie and cheese pairings.

And only Samuels offers premium Santa Ines Dried Plums. Founded in 1986 in Fuentes de Ebro, a province of Zaragoza, it is the only company in Spain that oversees the entire journey from sprout to dried plum. Their meticulous attention to detail and commitment to quality ensures every Dried Plum is top-shelf.

Santa Ines Premium Dried Plums are made from the Agen Plum Varietal – a delectable treat for the palette. You immediately notice the superior quality from the first bite. Santa Ines Premium Dried Plums are very moist and packed with flavor. Their rich, sweet flavor envelopes the mouth and only leaves behind a refreshingly light aftertaste. The lively flavors are like eating a fresh picked plum off the branch.

Santa Ines Dried Plums are also a great way to boost nutritional value in recipes.  This excellent source of vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants is even considered one of the healthiest foods available. Dried Plums add moisture to your cooking and also can serve as a substitute for unhealthy fats and sugars as a way to reduce calories without losing flavor.

t’s time we showed Dried Plums more appreciation, especially this month, National Prunes for Breakfast Month! Here are some ideas of how to incorporate Santa Ines Dried Plums in your breakfast and brunch holiday meals.

Photo: TheHungryDudes / Flickr

Stuffed Sharables – We’ve seen Dried Plums stuffed with everything from goat cheese to nuts and nut butters. Our favorite however, is stuffing or wrapping with bacon or prosciutto! The smoky, sweet combination will leave your guests hooked.

Examples:

Shrimp and Macadamia Stuffed Dried Plums Wrapped in Bacon. www.splendidtable.org/recipes/stuffed-prunes-of-buen-appetito

Bacon and Dried Plum Stuffed Apples: www.dailymail.co.uk/femail/food/article-6308357/Rachel-Khoos-bacon-prune-stuffed-apples.html

Goat cheese and Honey Stuffed Dried Plums Topped with Pistachio: www.bite.co.nz/recipe/15606/Goats-cheese-stuffed-prunes/

Photo: The Irish Times

Whopping Toppings – Chopped or shaved Dried Plums are a perfect topping to a variety of breakfast and brunch treats. They have a touch of sweetness and a pleasant texture that pairs nicely with a variety of fruits, grains, and cheeses. We’ve seen this with parfaits, oatmeal, cream of wheat, cream cheese, and cottage cheese. We love it on top of bagels with a smear and even apple butter, orange marmalade, or peanut butter.

Examples:

Smoked Salmon Bagel with Avocado and Chopped Dried Plums: www.pruneau.fr/recipe-salmon-and-lime-bagels-with-agen-prunes-197.html

Healthy and Hearty Oats with Apple, Dried Plums, and Almonds: www.doctoroz.com/recipe/bircher-muesli-california-dried-plums 

Barmbrack Parfait with Whiskey Soaked Dried Plums: www.irishtimes.com/life-and-style/food-and-drink/recipes/barmbrack-parfait-with-whiskey-prunes-1.2840232

Photo: Spruce Eats/Jorn Rynio / StockFood Creative / Getty Images

Sweet Stuff – Adding chopped Dried Plums to any baked good adds a layer of sophisticated sweetness, moisture, and health benefits like fiber and potassium. Dried Plum muffins, granola bars, and cookies or cakes will ring in the new year with a warm goodness of the stone fruits of this season. Paired with nuts is another great option, such as a tart or the classic French pastry the Almond financier with Dried Plums. Our top tip is to pair your Dried Plums with Chocolate for a depth of flavor with a decadent layer of rich, fruitiness.

Examples:

Chocolate Dipped Dried Plums: www.thespruceeats.com/chocolate-dipped-plums-520852

Banana, Prune Muffins: www.allrecipes.com/recipe/34004/banana-prune-muffins/

Dried Plum and Pecan Cookies: www.tasteofhome.com/recipes/prune-pecan-cookies/

Photo: HoosierHomemade.com

On The Board – Dried Plums make a perfect addition to your charcuterie board with a variety of nuts, fruits, meats, and cheeses (especially goat cheese.) They work well fresh out of the box or prepared with a variety of flavors from sweeter spices to hotter, earthier spices like cinnamon, ginger, and allspice. To really bring it over the top, a prune jam with really shine on your crackers and artisan breads.

Examples:

Fresh Prune Jam: www.marthastewart.com/787311/easy-prune-plum-jam

Perfectly Spiced Prunes: www.geniuskitchen.com/recipe/spiced-prunes-119896

Dried Plums “Pickled” With Red Wine and Ginger: www.seriouseats.com/recipes/2012/01/pickled-prunes.html

Photo Credit: Cindy Boyce

Big Breakfast/Brunch – If you’ve got some hungry guests, you might want to whip out the big guns. Dried Plums are great on top of pancakes, waffles, and French toast for a hearty breakfast. But, our favorite is to pair this sweet treat with savory options. Chopped Dried Plums caramelize beautifully (and provide an amazing, flavorful accompaniment) to your brunch sandwiches and omelettes when sautéed with onion and apple slices. They also add a nice zing to a Tuna, turkey, and chicken salad or even Tuna tartare. Breakfast meats also make a great pair, we’ve seen Dried Plums with bacon, let’s try sausage on for size.

Examples:

Sausage, Goat Cheese, Spinach, and Dried Plum Omelette: www.stapleton-spence.com/recipes/savory-dried-plum-sausage-omelet/

Tuna Tartare with Dried Plums: www.troisfoisparjour.com/en/recipes/appetizers/tartars/tuna-prune-tartare-buckwheat-croutons/

Apple and Dried Plum Pancakes: www.sunsweet.com/recipes/prune-pancakes/