In the realm of culinary delights and healthy snacking options, understanding the subtle nuances and nutritional profiles of dates, figs, and prunes can elevate your culinary mastery and satiate your curiosity.
In this blog post, we’ll help you know all differences between dates, figs, and prunes, by shedding light on their origins, nutritional benefits, and unique characteristics.
So, let’s slice through the succulent flesh, and discover what sets these chewy delights apart despite seeming similar.
Quick Comparison Table for Date Vs. Fig Vs. Prune
Before, discussing the dates, fig and prune, here is a comparison table highlighting the key differences between dates, figs, and prunes:
| Feature | Dates | Figs | Prunes |
| Tree | Date palm tree | Ficus tree | Plum tree |
| Origin | Middle East | Mediterranean | Mediterranean |
| Fruit | Dried dates | Fresh or dried figs | Dried plums |
| Shape | Elongated | Pear-shaped | Wrinkled |
| Texture | Soft and chewy | Soft and tender when fresh, but soft chewy when dried | Dense and chewy, even gummy |
| Color after drying | Brown | Red, green, or black | Brown or black but imparts purple-red or brown color when cooked |
| Flavor | Rich, sweet | Sweet, honeyed | Sweet-tart |
| Notable Notes | Caramel with nutty undertone | Floral and earthy | Plum, honey, tart |
| Culinary Uses | Can be eaten on their own, used in baking, or added to salads | Can be eaten on their own, used in baking, or stuffed with cheese or nuts | Can be eaten on their own, used in baking, or added to trail mix |
| Nutritional Highlights | Fiber, potassium, iron, vitamin B6 | Fiber, antioxidants, calcium, potassium, magnesium | Fiber, sorbitol, antioxidants, vitamin K, potassium |
| Varieties | Medjool, Deglet Noor, Barhi, etc. | Black Mission, Brown Turkey, Calimyrna, Kadota, etc. | Made from European plum varieties like Italian Prune, Stanley, |
What’re the Primary Differences Between Date, Fig, and Prune?
Dates, figs, and prunes are not the same fruit. Despite being all dried fruits that offer natural sweetness, they come from different plants and have distinct characteristics.
Dates
Dates are the fruits of the date palm tree (Phoenix dactylifera). They are elongated, oval-shaped fruits with wrinkled outer skin and a soft, chewy texture.
Figs
Figs come from the ficus tree, primarily Ficus carica. They are small, pear-shaped fruits with thin, delicate skin. Figs have a unique texture, with tender flesh and tiny edible seeds.
Prunes
Prunes are dried plums, typically made from specific plum varieties, such as the European plum (Prunus domestica). They have a distinctive wrinkled appearance and a dense, chewy texture.
Taste Difference Between Dates, Figs, and Prunes
For taste, dates, figs, and prunes each have their own distinct flavor profiles that make them a delight to indulge in. Let’s explore the unique taste differences of these three exquisite fruits:
Dates
Sweetest of all fruit, dates have natural sweetness, ranging from a mild caramel-like flavor to a rich, honeyed taste.
They possess a satisfying chewiness and a dense, soft texture. Depending on the variety, dates may also have subtle notes of vanilla, toffee, or even hints of spice.
Dates can resemble the taste of:
- Caramel
- Honey
- Toffee
- Vanilla
- Maple syrup
Figs
Less sweet than dates, figs offer a delicate and luscious taste experience. They boast a unique combination of fruity sweetness of berries, slight earthiness, and subtle nuttiness, with a slightly honeyed flavor. When ripe, figs are succulent and juicy, with a tender flesh that almost melts in your mouth.
But after drying this sweetness is more dominant than some other flavors. Dried figs’ sweet and slightly nutty flavor is often compared to caramel or honey. Sometimes when dried over a wood fire, figs also have a smokey flavor.
Figs can resemble the taste of:
- Honey
- Raisins
- Dates
- Melons
- Berries
Prunes
Prunes, also known as dried plums, possess a distinctively deep and rich flavor. They have a robust sweetness that is slightly tangy, with hints of both tartness and earthiness.
Prunes can be described as having a velvety and chewy or gummy texture, providing a satisfying mouthfeel.
Prunes can resemble the taste of:
- Plums
- Raisins
- Dried apricots
- Dried cherries
- Dried figs
Each fruit brings its own unique taste experience to the table, allowing you to explore and savor its distinctive flavors in various culinary creations.
Dates Vs. Figs Vs. Prunes: Nutrition Comparison
Dates, figs, and prunes are all dried fruits that are high in nutrients. They’re a good source of fiber, vitamins, and minerals.
Here is a comparison of the nutritional content:
| Nutrient | Dates (100 Grams) | Figs Dried (100 Grams) | Prunes (100 Grams) |
| Calories | 282 | 272 | 249 |
| Total Carbohydrates | 75 grams | 47.92 grams | 63 grams |
| Dietary Fiber | 8 grams | 9.8 grams | 7 grams |
| Protein | 2.5 grams | 2 grams | 1 gram |
| Fat | 0 grams | 1 gram | 0 grams |
| Calcium | 39 mg | 162 mg | 43 mg |
| Potassium | 620 milligrams | 680 milligrams | 700 milligrams |
| Magnesium | 54 milligrams | 68 milligrams | 41 milligrams |
| Iron | 0.6 milligrams | 0.5 milligrams | 0.3 milligrams |
| Vitamin K | 21 micrograms | 13 micrograms | 10 micrograms |
As you can see, dates are higher in calories, carbohydrates, and sugar than figs or prunes. However, they’re also a good fiber, potassium, magnesium, and calcium source. Because of having fiber that leads to Low GI of dates, they don’t cause insulin spikes when consumed in moderation.
Figs are lower in calories and sugar than dates, but they are still a good source of fiber, potassium, and magnesium. They’re a low-to-moderate GI that makes good food for those with diabetes.
Prunes are lower in calories and sugar than dates and figs, but they get you a good amount of fiber and potassium. Besides this, just like dates and figs, prunes have a low GI of 29, making them suitable food for diabetes. Yet, moderation is key.
So, which is the healthiest?
It depends on your individual dietary needs and health goals. If you’re looking for a high-fiber snack, then dates or figs would be a good choice.
Prunes will be a good choice if you need a low-calorie snack. However, all three fruits are a good source of vitamins and minerals, making them a healthy addition to your diet.
Dates Vs. Figs Vs. Prunes: Health Benefits
Dates, figs, and prunes are all dried fruits with various health benefits. Here is a summary of some of the key benefits of each fruit:
Dates
- Source of Energy: Dates are a good energy source, thanks to their high sugar content. They can help you feel full and satisfied after a meal.
- Aids in Digestion: Dates are a good source of fiber, which can help regulate digestion. They may also help to relieve constipation.
- Helps with Good Heart Health: Dates are a good source of potassium, an essential mineral for heart health. They may also help to lower blood pressure.
- Better Bone Health: Dates are a good source of calcium, an important mineral for bone health. They may help to prevent osteoporosis.
Figs
- Rich in antioxidants: Figs are a good source of antioxidants, which can help protect your cells from damage. They may also help to boost your immune system.
- Aids in Digestion: Figs are an excellent source of fiber, which can help regulate digestion. They may also help to relieve constipation.
- Improved Heart Health: Figs are a good potassium source, an essential mineral for heart health. They may also help to lower blood pressure.
- Cancer Prevention: Some studies have shown that figs may have anti-cancer properties. However, more research is needed to confirm these findings.
Prunes
- Help in Digestion: Prunes are a good source of fiber, which can help regulate digestion. They are primarily known for their ability to relieve constipation.
- Good for the Heart: Prunes are a good source of potassium, an important mineral for heart health. They may also help to lower blood pressure.
- Bone health: Prunes are a good calcium source, a crucial mineral for bone health. They may help to prevent osteoporosis.
- Cancer prevention: Some studies have shown that prunes may have anti-cancer properties. However, more research is needed to confirm these findings.
As you can see, all three fruits have a variety of health benefits.
So, which one is the best for you?
It depends on your individual needs and preferences. If you are looking for a high-fiber snack, then dates or figs would be a good choice.
Prunes would be a good choice if you are looking for a low-calorie snack. Ultimately, all three fruits are healthy and can be a part of a balanced diet.
FAQs
Can I substitute dates and prunes in cooking?
Yes, you can substitute dates and prunes in cooking. They are both dried fruits that have a similar texture and flavor. However, you should be aware of some minor differences between the two.
- Dates are sweeter than prunes. If you are substituting dates for prunes in a recipe, you may need to reduce the amount of sugar in the recipe.
- Dates are softer than prunes. If you are substituting dates for prunes in a recipe that requires the fruit to be chopped or diced, you may need to soak the dates in hot water for a few minutes to soften them.
- Dates have a more intense flavor than prunes. If you are substituting dates for prunes in a recipe, you may need to reduce the amount of dates used.
- Prunes have a tart flavor as well, which dates don’t have. So, if you substitute dates for prunes, you can add some tanginess using lemon juice. Also, when substituting prunes for dates, your recipe’s flavor profile will change.
Here are some specific examples of how you can substitute dates and prunes in cooking:
- In baking: Dates and prunes can be used interchangeably in most baking recipes. However, if you are making a cake or cookie that is very sweet, use prunes instead of dates to reduce the sweetness.
- In savory dishes: Dates and prunes can add sweetness and moisture to savory dishes, such as stuffing, soups, and stews. However, soak the dates in hot water for a few minutes before adding them to a savory dish to soften the prunes and mellow their flavor.
Hence, dates and prunes are a good substitute for each other in most cooking applications.
Can I substitute dates and figs for cooking?
Yes, you can use dates and figs interchangeably when cooking. While they have similar textures and flavors, there are slight differences to consider.
- Dates are sweeter than figs, so reduce sugar when substituting them.
- Dates are softer; soak them in hot water if the recipe requires chopping.
- Dates have a stronger caramel flavor, so adjust the amount used.
- For baking, figs are better if you want less sweetness.
- In savory dishes, both can add sweetness and moisture, but soak dates to soften and mellow their flavor.
Generally, dates and figs can be used as substitutes in most cooking applications.
Can I substitute prunes and figs for cooking?
Yes! You can totally swap prunes and figs for cooking. Just remember there are a few small differences to keep in mind.
- Prunes are sweeter, so cut back on sugar if you’re using them instead of figs.
- Prunes are drier and chewier, so soak them in hot water if you need to chop them up. Prunes have a stronger flavor, so use fewer if you’re replacing figs.
- Also, prunes have a tangy, deep tarty kick, so expect a slightly tart taste when you sub them for figs.
- Prunes and figs are mostly interchangeable for baking but go for figs if you want less sweetness in a super-sweet cake or cookie.
- In savory dishes like stuffing or soups, both can add sweetness and moisture but soak in prunes to soften and mellow their flavor.
Conclusion
While dates, figs, and prunes all provide natural sweetness and nutritional benefits, they differ in taste, texture, and the trees from which they originate. Each of these dried fruits has its own unique characteristics and culinary applications, making them versatile and enjoyable in their own right.
