The Mysteries of Prune Juice: Unraveling Its Origin and Making

Have you ever wondered where prune juice comes from? You might think of it as a separate concoction, but in reality, it is simply a concentrated form of dried plum juice. Let's delve into the origins of prunes and the process of creating prune juice.

Understanding Prunes

Prunes, a beloved ingredient in many traditional desserts and snacks, are simply a variety of plum. More specifically, prunes are a dried form of Prunus domestica plums. There are numerous varieties of prunes, and like any other fruit, they can be purchased fresh in the seasonal markets or in dried form in supermarkets. For instance, Queen Victoria plums are a type of plum that, despite not being classified as prunes, can be treated in a similar manner.

The higher sugar content in prunes means they do not need to be dried as extensively as other plum varieties. This is why prunes are the most common form of dried plums. It's worth noting that the prunes you buy from a sealed packet are often black and supermoist, thanks to a chemical addition that prevents fermentation.

Production of Prune Juice

Prune juice is made by extracting the juice from these dried prunes and adding small amounts of water, followed by soaking and blending the prunes. The following steps outline the process for creating prune juice:

Select Dried Prunes: Choose high-quality, preferably organic, dried prunes. Soak Prunes: Add 1/4 cup of water to the prunes and keep them covered for 15-20 minutes to ensure they rehydrate. Blend: In a blender, combine the soaked prunes with 1 cup of water. If needed, add sugar or some pieces of an apple or orange to enhance the flavor. Blend until the mixture is smooth. Extract Juice: Use a spoon to press the blended mixture, extracting the juice completely. Serving: Add a few ice cubes to a serving glass, pour in the prune juice, mix well, and enjoy it immediately.

Further Insights into Prunes and Prune Juice

Prunes are technically the dried fruit of the Italian prune plum (also known as Prunus domestica). These plums are characterized by their high solids content, which allows them to be heat-dried and stored for a long time without spoiling. Raw prune juice is often the hot water extract of dried prune plums, making it a delicious and healthy alternative to traditional juices and a convenient way to enjoy the benefits of plums at any time of the year.

So, the next time you reach for a glass of prune juice, remember that it is simply a concentrated form of dried plum juice. Whether you are making it yourself or enjoying it in its more commercial form, you now have a better understanding of where this beloved drink comes from.