The most important etiquette rules on how to serve and eat prunes. Tips to be the ideal host or the perfect guest at the dining table.
What prunes etiquette is
Prunes etiquette is the set of rules to properly serve and eat prunes. Such rules help avoid behaviors that can disrespect your hosts or guests, or make you look unpolite.
If you are hosting, follow prunes etiquette to appropriately serve them to your guests.
If you are a guest, respect prunes etiquette rules to properly eat and enjoy them.
What you should know about prunes
A prune is a dried plum. While many varieties of plums exist, only a few of them can be dried into prunes. The European plum varieties are the most commonly dried into prunes.
Prunes in commerce usually do not have a fruit stone. They are dark violet to black in color. The texture is fibrous and soft. Their taste is sweet with tart notes.
Etiquette tips to serve and eat prunes
1) How to store prunes
Store prunes out of the fridge. Ideally, store them in a cool place. Away from sources of heat or direct light. Keep them in their original packaging, or place them in a sealed container.
Properly stored, prunes can last for 6 to 9 months.
2) How to clean prunes
You do not need to wash prunes.
If you notice mold on their surface, discard them immediately.
3) How to prepare prunes
Prunes are a common ingredient for both sweet and savory dishes.
You can add prunes on top of ice cream or mix them with oatmeal, or with yogurt and cereal. Use them in tarts, crumbles, or pies.
Prunes are great for savory salads or with roasted meat.
4) How to serve & present prunes
You can serve prunes for breakfast, a snack, or to accompany a cheese course after a meal.
Serve prunes in a small serving bowl or plate. It is best to serve them whole. Present them with a serving spoon or fork.
Serve prunes at room temperature.
5) Food and wine to pair prunes with
The aroma of prunes matches well with many flavors. Chocolate. Ginger. Vanilla.
Prunes go well with savory dishes. Match them with pork meat, Prosciutto, roasted poultry, or duck. Serve them to accompany some cheeses, such as Feta or goat cheese. Add them to yogurt, oatmeal, Kefir, or ice cream.
Prunes go well in salads. They combine well with arugula, tomatoes, and other vegetables.
Pair prunes or prunes desserts with Rosé wine or sweet mines. Such as Muscat, Passito, or Sauternes.
6) How to eat prunes
Eat prunes with a fork. Use a knife only if a whole prune is too large for a single bite.
Alternatively, you can eat them with your fingers. However, prunes can be sticky. Thus, using your fingers is not recommended.
Prunes etiquette: the worst mistakes
The Rude Index identifies and ranks negative behaviors.
A high score (8-10) means that the behavior has the potential to trigger a conflict with others. A medium score (4-7) means that the behavior risks making you look inelegant and unsophisticated. More about the Rude Index and its methodology here.
Avoid the worst prunes etiquette mistakes.
- 8/10. Serving spoiled prunes.
- 2/10. Eating prunes with your fingers.
Additional information for properly serving prunes
How many calories per serving?
Counting calories is important to stay healthy and to correctly plan a menu.
Prunes contain 240 calories per 100 grams. A single prune weighs around 10 grams and contains about 24 calories.
How to buy the best prunes
A crucial factor in prunes etiquette is to serve the best product possible to your guests.
Season and availability
Prunes are available all year round.
FAQs
What is the difference between a plum and a prune?
A prune is a dried plum.