This post is in partnership with California Prunes. California Prunes have been grown for more than 150 years by generations of growers who have brought expertise and craftsmanship to the art of growing and drying prunes. They have created a unique heritage of pride and premium quality. In my opinion, there are no other prunes out there that taste as fresh and sweet as the California Prune. Thanks for supporting the brands that keep Flourishing Foodie delicious. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Stewed prunes often have a negative connotation attached but they are sweet, plump, and tender! I am perfectly happy enjoying them on their own as an after-dinner treat, but I also really like to serve them as a topping on my morning oatmeal. In my opinion, the best part about making oatmeal for breakfast is the toppings.
It is important that you purchase good quality prunes when making stewed prunes because they are the star of the show. My favorite variety are California Prunes. They have the right amount of sweetness, are perfectly tender, and always taste fresh!
Plus, as you will see, California Prunes are great for your overall nutrition and help support your immune system. Keep them on-hand as a shelf-stable snack or ingredient for all their great benefits!
What is stewing?
Stewing is a slow cooking method where food is simmered in the minimum amount of liquid. Stewed prunes are simmered in water, dried prunes, cinnamon, and orange slices for 30 minutes until plump and juicy. That’s all it takes to make the sweet and syrupy treat. Stewed prunes have such rich depth in flavor that makes them irresistible to the palate.
What are the nutritional benefits of prunes?
Prunes are a perfect low-calorie snack. A single serving of 4-5 prunes contains under 100 calories.
Prunes contain natural sugars and have a low glycemic index, meaning that the rise in blood sugar is much slower, keeping you satiated longer.
A serving of prunes contains 3g of fiber. Including fiber-rich foods in your diet helps to improve digestive health and reduce symptoms of poor gastrointestinal health such as bloating, cramping, constipation, and heartburn.
A serving of prunes contains 23 mcg of vitamin K which is important for bone health.
Prunes are a source of vitamin B6 and copper which contribute to the normal function of the immune system.
Prunes are a source of copper and manganese which contribute to the protection of cells from oxidative stress.
What are some other ways to enjoy stewed prunes?
stewed prunes served over vanilla ice cream or panna cotta
stewed prunes and yogurt with granola
stewed prunes and mascarpone
peanut butter and stewed prune toast
rice pudding with stewed prunes
Be sure to check out California Prunes online at www.CaliforniaPrunes.org and on social media @CAprunes.
OATMEAL WITH STEWED CALIFORNIA PRUNES
SERVES: 4 | DIFFICULTY: EASY | PREP TIME: 5 MIN | COOKING TIME: 30 MIN
INGREDIENTS
• 8 oz of dried California Prunes
• 2 cups of water
• 1 cinnamon stick
• 2 orange slices, halved
• 4 servings of oatmeal
suggested toppings
• brown sugar
• cinnamon
• almonds
• peanut butter
DIRECTIONS
1. To make the stewed prunes, add the prunes, water, cinnamon stick, and orange slices to a medium saucepan. Bring to a boil
2. Cover the saucepan with a lid and reduce the temperature to low. Simmer the prunes for 30 minutes until soft and plump with some liquid still remaining in the saucepan.
3. Just before the prunes have finished cooking, prepare the oatmeal.
3. Serve the oatmeal with prunes, brown sugar, and cinnamon.I also like to top my oatmeal with peanut butter and almonds.
4. The stewed prunes can be kept in the fridge for a week.
