What is the Difference Between Prunes and Raisins

The main difference between prunes and raisins is that prunes are a species of dried plums, while raisins are dried grapes. In addition, prunes are larger in size and have a dark purplish shade, while raisins are smaller in size and often take a light brown shade.

Prunes and raisins are dehydrated fruits that share a naturally sweet taste. Both fruits are rich in a variety of nutrients and have the ability to boost your health.

Key Areas Covered

1. What are Prunes  
      – Definition, Features
2. What are Raisins
     – Definition, Features
3. Similarities Between Prunes and Raisins
     – Outline of Common Features
4. Difference Between Prunes and Raisins
     – Comparison of Key Differences

Key Terms

Prunes, Plums, Raisins

What are Prunes

Prunes are dehydrated plums.  Prunes are highly nutritious and have a variety of health benefits. They consist of lots of fibre, vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants, which help to lower the risk of some chronic diseases. Prunes are a scientifically approved remedy for patients with constipation and osteoporosis. Consuming prunes on a daily basis may also secure your heart health because studies show that daily intake of prunes has the potential to lower your high blood pressure and cholesterol levels, avoiding heart diseases.

You can easily add prunes to your diet. You can either eat them raw, mix them in salads, use them in baked items or beverages, such as prune orange, fennel and onion salad, prune and chocolate torte, prune cake, prune oatmeal cookies, prune and chocolate scones, etc.  

What are Raisins

Raisins are grapes dried in the sun or in a food dehydrator. Raisins usually take a colour ranging from yellow to brown or purple and are frequently added as salad toppings and mixed into yoghurt, cereal, oatmeal, or granola. We also often mix raisins with baked items such as bread, muffins, and cookies.

When you compare with prunes, raisins are smaller in size. However, they are rich in energy, fibre, vitamins, and minerals. Similar to prunes, raisins are also a natural sweetener. If consumed in moderation, raisins can have unbelievable benefits to your health.  This is mainly because raisins ease digestion, increase the body iron levels, and help to maintain your bones strong.

Similarities Between Prunes and Raisins

• Prunes and raisins are dehydrated fruits that share a natural sweet taste.
• Both prunes and raisins possess a variety of nutrients, including fibres, vitamins, and minerals.
• These varieties of dried fruits are also a good portable snack option.
• Further, we can use prunes and raisins in a variety of food items and beverages, extending from salads to smoothies.

Difference Between Prunes and Raisins

Definition

Prunes are dehydrated plums, whereas raisins are dehydrated grapes.

Colour

Raisins usually take a colour ranging from yellow to brown or purple, whereas prunes are dark purplish in colour.

Size

Prunes are larger than raisins.

Fibre Content

Moreover, prunes consist of a higher content of dietary fibre than raisins

Health Benefits

In addition, prunes contain antioxidants, which help to lower the risk of chronic diseases and act as a remedy for patients with constipation and osteoporosis. Raisins, on the other hand, ease digestion, increase the body iron levels and make bones strong.

Conclusion

The main difference between prunes and raisins is that prunes are dried plums, whereas raisins are dried grapes. Both prunes and raisins are mixed in thousands of sweet and savoury dishes all around the world daily, and both these dried fruits become better and healthier options if you have a sweet tooth, always craving sweets or candy.

Image Courtesy:

1. Brennan, Dan. “Raisins: Are They Good for You? Pros and Cons, Nutrition Information, and More.” WebMD, 30 Sept. 2020.
2. Elliott, Brianna. “7 Health Benefits of Plums and Prunes.” Healthline, Healthline Media, 13 May 2017.

Image Courtesy:

1. “Brown, wooden, bucket, prune fruits, prune, fruits, food, wood” (CC0) via Piqsels
2. “Brown rasins, raisin, black currant, food, food and drink, dried food, dried fruit, fruit, indoors, healthy eating” (CC0) via Pxfuel