Which regions are the main production areas of prunes distributed in?
Prunes are also known as California prunes, European plums, French black jujubes, etc. They are shaped like apricot plums and are rich in vitamin A and cellulose, while also containing minerals such as iron and potassium, yet containing no fat or cholesterol. They are not just a snack; paired with various ingredients, they can be made into all kinds of delicious foods. They can not only be eaten as a snack, but can also be used in dishes. Now let us take a look together at where prunes are produced!
Where are prunes produced?
Prunes originated in southwestern France, which is the hometown of prunes. When ripe, the skin is dark purple and the flesh is amber-colored. In 1848, a French grower came to California in the United States to seek gold, and in 1856 introduced prune saplings to North America, grafting them with the D'Agen prune original variety, and in the same year the grafted trees arrived in California. By 1900, prune orchards in California had reached 90000 hectares, concentrated in areas such as the Sacramento, Santa Clara, Sonoma, Napa and Santa Clara valleys. At present, the prune output of these areas exceeds that of other regions in the world, accounting for about 99% of total U.S. production and about 42% of total world supply.
Nutritional value of prunes
1. Prunes are relatively high in iron and rank among the top ten. Iron is extremely important for pregnant women, nursing mothers and infants. Eating prunes and various other iron-containing foods can effectively help the human body take in sufficient iron.
2. Prunes are the best source for supplementing vitamin A. Vitamin A is a fat-soluble vitamin that can regulate human cell function and also has antioxidant functions, and is extremely important for protecting human skin and hair.
3. Prunes are rich in vitamin C. Vitamin C is an antioxidant that protects the body from the threat of free radicals, promotes bone growth and muscle development, prevents vascular hardening, and helps with iron absorption.
4. Prunes are very rich in dietary fiber and have always been a “good” fruit for relieving constipation. Dietary fiber can promote intestinal peristalsis and is commonly known as the “intestinal scavenger,” and is helpful for preventing and treating colon tumors and cardiovascular diseases.
5. The potassium contained in prunes is especially important for maintaining muscle elasticity and maintaining the human body's electrolyte balance. It also helps with nerve impulses and the release of energy from protein, fat and carbohydrates in the metabolic process.
Edible benefits of prunes
1. Delaying aging: The antioxidant components in prunes are more than 2 times those in grapes. Antioxidants are extremely important to the human body and can neutralize the damage caused by oxidation to the human body. They not only prevent the worsening of heart disease, lung disease and certain cancers, but also have the effect of delaying aging and beautifying the skin.
2. Relieving constipation: The vast majority of constipation occurs because the intestines lack sufficient active peristalsis. Natural prune juice contains water-soluble natural pectin fiber and insoluble plant fiber. These plant fiber components can effectively help restore gastric motility and easily relieve constipation.
3. Balancing metabolism: Frequently feeling weak all over, fatigued, with weakened heartbeat and dizziness may indicate a lack of potassium in the body. The potassium content of prune juice is very high. The main role of potassium in the human body is to maintain acid-base balance, participate in energy metabolism and maintain normal neuromuscular function.
5. Beauty and detoxification: A large amount of retained stool blocks the intestines, making it impossible for toxins and waste to be expelled in time or even be reabsorbed by the intestines, thus leading to dull skin, frequent spots and acne, and bad breath. Regularly consuming prune juice can promote defecation and detoxification, clear toxins from the body, and make the skin look renewed.
6. Disease prevention: Prunes are rich in antioxidant nutrients and phytonutrients, including carotene, polyphenols and phytosterols, among which “chlorogenic acid” can effectively inhibit free radicals and lower bad cholesterol in the body, helping to prevent chronic diseases such as heart disease and cancer.
7. Protecting bone quality: Prunes contain a variety of nutrients extremely beneficial to bone health, including potassium, copper, boron and vitamin K1. They can not only effectively prevent bone loss, but also help bone remodeling. Regardless of gender, 10 prunes a day can easily achieve the effect of bone health care.