What's the difference between a plum and a prune?
Today, prunes are used to describe dried plums.
Plums are known as prunes in France. Due to the perception of prunes being used for constipation in older people,
many distributors today have stopped using the word on their packaging. The preference now is to state "dried plums".
The Sowden Bros. prefer to use the traditional term prunes to describe their organic dried plums.
What nutrients do prunes contain?
They are a rich source of fiber and contain important nutrients including Potassium, vitamin C and K, and are rich in
minerals including iron. They also include a compound that has high antioxidant activity. The antioxidant content of
fresh plums doubles when they become prunes.
Where are prunes grown?
Prunes are grown almost entirely in the U.S., with 70 percent of the world’s supply coming from California. Approximately
100,000 tons are shipped to more than 50 countries each year.
The prune graft is known today as the California French Prune and comprises approximately 99% of the state’s production,
of which most lies within the Sacramento Valley.
What are some of the dietary benefits of prunes?
Over the years, a number of studies have demonstrated that incorporating plums into the daily diet, over time,
can lead to:
- Increased bone health—particularly for post-menopausal women and a growing population of at risk men (approximately 12 million)
- Reduce LDL cholesterol
- Help protect against some forms of cancer; decrease colon cancer risk factors
- Reduce the severity of inflammatory conditions such as asthma, osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis
- Helps normalize blood sugar levels and can play a valuable role in the prevention and treatment of type 2 diabetes
- Prunes serve as one of the more brilliant and natural appetite suppressants available
Are you the grower as well as the shipper?
Yes. All of our prune products are grown on our farm, packaged and shipped to you. From bloom to box, the Sowden Bros. are
a 100% dedicated organic operation. Certified
organic growers since 1981, Buzz and Bud Sowden are first generation farmers with nearly 350 acres of organic prunes located in
Sutter County in the shadow of the Sutter Buttes in the soil-rich Sacramento Valley.
Are your prunes organic?
Yes. All of the prunes we grow, buy, and process are certified organic by QAI .
What does Certified Organic mean?
U.S. producers are turning to certified organic farming systems as a potential way to lower input costs, decrease reliance on
nonrenewable resources, capture high-value markets and premium prices, and boost farm income. Organic farming systems rely on
ecologically based practices such as cultural and biological pest management, exclusion of all synthetic chemicals, antibiotics,
and hormones in crop and livestock production. For more information visit the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA)
website.
How do you ship?
All shipments originate from our farm in Live Oak, California. Domestic (US 50 states) and international shipping available via
US Postal Service priority mail. We're currently shipping internationally to the following countries: Australia, Korea, Japan,
Malaysia, Europe, China, and Taiwan.
If you live in a country not listed and are interested in ordering, please contact us and
we can discuss shipping options.
What forms of payment do you accept on this website?
We accept VISA, MasterCard, Discover, American Express via PayPal.