Prune vs. Date — What's the Difference?
Edited by Tayyaba Rehman — By Fiza Rafique — Updated on March 26, 2024
Prunes are dried plums, known for their sweet flavor and health benefits, while dates are sweet, chewy fruits from date palm trees, distinct in taste and nutritional profile.
Difference Between Prune and Date
Table of Contents
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Key Differences
Prunes originate from various plum species once they are dried. This process intensifies their sweetness and alters the texture, making them chewy yet slightly moist. They are often praised for their fiber content and ability to aid in digestion. Dates, on the other hand, come from the date palm tree and are naturally sweet and sticky. They are consumed in both fresh and dried forms but are most commonly found dried in many parts of the world, boasting high levels of fiber, vitamins, and minerals.
The nutritional content of prunes includes a significant amount of fiber, vitamins A and K, potassium, and copper, making them a healthy choice for promoting bone health and regular bowel movements. Dates are calorie-dense and rich in vitamins and minerals, including potassium, magnesium, and vitamin B6, offering energy boosts and other health benefits such as improved brain function.
In culinary uses, prunes can be eaten as a snack, added to baked goods for natural sweetness, or used in savory dishes like stews and sauces to add depth and sweetness. They can also be pureed and used as a substitute for sugar in recipes. Dates, with their natural caramel-like sweetness, are versatile in cooking and baking, often used in desserts, energy bars, and smoothies, or stuffed with nuts and cheese as appetizers.
The physical appearance of prunes and dates also differs; prunes are usually darker in color with a wrinkled texture, while dates tend to be a bit larger, with a shiny, slightly wrinkled skin. Prunes generally have a deep purple to black color, indicative of their specific plum origin, whereas dates range from light brown to dark, rich brown hues depending on the variety.
While both prunes and dates are nutritious and beneficial for health, their distinct tastes, textures, and culinary uses set them apart. Prunes are especially recognized for their digestive benefits, while dates are often celebrated for their natural sweetness and energy-boosting properties.
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Comparison Chart
Origin
Dried plums
Fruits from date palm trees
Taste
Sweet, slightly tart
Very sweet, caramel-like
Nutritional Benefits
High in fiber, vitamins A and K, potassium
Rich in fiber, potassium, magnesium, vitamins
Culinary Uses
Snacks, baked goods, savory dishes, sugar substitute
Desserts, energy bars, smoothies, appetizers
Physical Appearance
Dark purple to black, wrinkled
Light to dark brown, shiny, slightly wrinkled
Compare with Definitions
Prune
Rich in fiber and vitamins, beneficial for bone health.
Prunes are a good source of vitamin K.
Date
Sweet fruits from the date palm tree.
Dates are a staple in Middle Eastern cuisine.
Prune
Used as a natural sweetener in baked goods.
He substitutes sugar with prune puree in recipes.
Date
Used in desserts for their caramel-like sweetness.
Dates are the main ingredient in her homemade energy bars.
Prune
Added to savory dishes for sweetness.
Prunes add a sweet depth to her beef stew.
Date
Consumed fresh or dried, rich in vitamins and minerals.
He adds dates to his smoothie for extra nutrients.
Prune
Dried plums known for aiding digestion.
She eats prunes to improve her digestive health.
Date
Often stuffed with nuts or cheese as appetizers.
Stuffed dates are served as a delicacy at the party.
Prune
Eaten as a healthy snack.
Prunes are a convenient snack for a quick energy boost.
Date
Provide a natural energy boost.
Athletes eat dates for quick energy during long races.
Prune
A prune is a dried plum, most commonly from the European plum (Prunus domestica). Not all plum species or varieties can be dried into prunes.
Date
The time stated in terms of the day, month, and year
What is the date of your birth?.
Prune
A plum preserved by drying and having a black, wrinkled appearance.
Date
A statement of calendar time, as on a document.
Prune
An unpleasant or disagreeable person
He was a good leader, but a right miserable old prune
Date
A particular point or period of time at which something happened or existed, or is expected to happen
The date of their wedding.
Prune
An instance of trimming a tree, shrub, or bush
They need little care other than an annual prune
Date
The time during which something lasts; duration
"Summer's lease hath all too short a date" (Shakespeare).
Prune
Trim (a tree, shrub, or bush) by cutting away dead or overgrown branches or stems, especially to encourage growth
To limit growth, prune in summer
Now is the time to prune roses
Date
The time or historical period to which something belongs
Artifacts of a later date.
Prune
The partially dried fruit of any of several varieties of the common plum, Prunus domestica.
Date
An appointment
A luncheon date with a client.
Prune
Any kind of plum that can be dried without spoiling.
Date
An engagement to go out socially with another person, often out of romantic interest.
Prune
(Slang) An ill-tempered, stupid, or incompetent person.
Date
One's companion on such an outing.
Prune
To make a facial expression exhibiting ill temper or disgust
“Their faces prune at the slightest provocation” (James Wolcott).
Date
An engagement for a performance
Has four singing dates this month.
Prune
To cut off or remove dead or living parts or branches of (a plant, for example) to improve shape or growth.
Date
The sweet, edible, oblong or oval fruit of the date palm, containing a narrow, hard seed.
Prune
To remove or cut out as superfluous.
Date
A date palm.
Prune
To reduce
Prune a budget.
Date
To mark or supply with a date
Date a letter.
Prune
To remove what is superfluous or undesirable.
Date
To determine the date of
Date a fossil.
Prune
(obsolete) A plum.
Date
To betray the age of
Pictures of old cars date the book.
Prune
The dried, wrinkled fruit of certain species of plum.
Date
To go on a date or dates with.
Prune
(figurative) Something wrinkly like a prune.
Date
To have origin in a particular time in the past
This statue dates from 500 BC.
Prune
(slang) An old woman, especially a wrinkly one.
Date
To become old-fashioned.
Prune
To become wrinkled like a dried plum, as the fingers and toes do when kept submerged in water.
Date
To go on dates.
Prune
To remove excess material from a tree or shrub; to trim, especially to make more healthy or productive.
A good grape grower will prune the vines once a year.
Date
The fruit of the date palm, Phoenix dactylifera, somewhat in the shape of an olive, containing a soft, sweet pulp and enclosing a hard kernel.
We made a nice cake from dates.
Prune
To cut down or shorten (by the removal of unnecessary material).
To prune a budget, or an essay
Date
The date palm.
There were a few dates planted around the house.
Prune
To remove unnecessary branches from a tree data structure.
Date
The addition to a writing, inscription, coin, etc., which specifies the time (especially the day, month, and year) when the writing or inscription was given, executed, or made.
The date of a letter, of a will, of a deed, of a coin, etc.
US date : 05/24/08 = Tuesday, May 24th, 2008. UK date : 24/05/08 = Tuesday 24th May 2008.
Prune
(obsolete) To preen; to prepare; to dress.
Date
A specific day in time at which a transaction or event takes place, or is appointed to take place; a given point of time.
The date for pleading
The start date for the festival is September 2.
Do you know the date of the wedding?
We had to change the dates of the festival because of the flooding.
Prune
To lop or cut off the superfluous parts, branches, or shoots of; to clear of useless material; to shape or smooth by trimming; to trim: as, to prune trees; to prune an essay.
Taking into consideration how they [laws] are to be pruned and reformed.
Our delightful taskTo prune these growing plants, and tend these flowers.
Date
A point in time.
You may need that at a later date.
Prune
To cut off or cut out, as useless parts.
Horace will our superfluous branches prune.
Date
(rare) Assigned end; conclusion.
Prune
To preen; to prepare; to dress.
His royal birdPrunes the immortal wing and cloys his beak.
Date
(obsolete) Given or assigned length of life; duration.
Prune
To dress; to prink; -used humorously or in contempt.
Date
A pre-arranged meeting.
I arranged a date with my Australian business partners.
Prune
A plum; esp., a dried plum, used in cookery; as, French or Turkish prunes; California prunes.
Date
One's companion for social activities or occasions.
I brought Melinda to the wedding as my date.
Prune
Dried plum
Date
A romantic meeting or outing with a lover or potential lover, or the person so met.
We really hit it off on the first date, so we decided to meet the week after.
We slept together on the first date.
The cinema is a popular place to take someone on a date.
Prune
Cultivate, tend, and cut back the growth of;
Dress the plants in the garden
Date
(transitive) To note the time or place of writing or executing; to express in an instrument the time of its execution.
To date a letter, a bond, a deed, or a charter
Prune
Weed out unwanted or unnecessary things;
We had to lose weight, so we cut the sugar from our diet
Date
(transitive) To note or fix the time of (an event); to give the date of.
Date
(transitive) To determine the age of something.
To date the building of the pyramids
Date
(transitive) To take (someone) on a date, or a series of dates.
Date
To have a steady relationship with; to be romantically involved with.
Date
To have a steady relationship with each other; to be romantically involved with each other.
They met a couple of years ago, but have been dating for about five months.
Date
(ambitransitive) To make or become old, especially in such a way as to fall out of fashion, become less appealing or attractive, etc.
This show hasn't dated well.
The comedian dated himself by making quips about bands from the 1960s.
Date
To have beginning; to begin; to be dated or reckoned.
Date
The fruit of the date palm; also, the date palm itself.
Date
That addition to a writing, inscription, coin, etc., which specifies the time (as day, month, and year) when the writing or inscription was given, or executed, or made; as, the date of a letter, of a will, of a deed, of a coin. etc.
And bonds without a date, they say, are void.
Date
The point of time at which a transaction or event takes place, or is appointed to take place; a given point of time; epoch; as, the date of a battle.
He at once,Down the long series of eventful time,So fixed the dates of being, so disposedTo every living soul of every kindThe field of motion, and the hour of rest.
Date
Assigned end; conclusion.
What Time would spare, from Steel receives its date.
Date
Given or assigned length of life; dyration.
Good luck prolonged hath thy date.
Through his life's whole date.
Date
To note the time of writing or executing; to express in an instrument the time of its execution; as, to date a letter, a bond, a deed, or a charter.
Date
To note or fix the time of, as of an event; to give the date of; as, to date the building of the pyramids.
The letter is dated at Philadephia.
You will be suprised, I don't question, to find among your correspondencies in foreign parts, a letter dated from Blois.
In the countries of his jornal seems to have been written; parts of it are dated from them.
Date
To have beginning; to begin; to be dated or reckoned; - with from.
The Batavian republic dates from the successes of the French arms.
Date
The specified day of the month;
What is the date today?
Date
A particular day specified as the time something will happen;
The date of the election is set by law
Date
A meeting arranged in advance;
She asked how to avoid kissing at the end of a date
Date
A particular but unspecified point in time;
They hoped to get together at an early date
Date
The present;
They are up to date
We haven't heard from them to date
Date
A participant in a date;
His date never stopped talking
Date
The particular day, month, or year (usually according to the Gregorian calendar) that an event occurred;
He tried to memorizes all the dates for his history class
Date
Sweet edible fruit of the date palm with a single long woody seed
Date
Go on a date with;
Tonight she is dating a former high school sweetheart
Date
Stamp with a date;
The package is dated November 24
Date
Assign a date to; determine the (probable) date of;
Scientists often cannot date precisely archeological or prehistorical findings
Date
Date regularly; have a steady relationship with;
Did you know that she is seeing an older man?
He is dating his former wife again!
Date
Provide with a dateline; mark with a date;
She wrote the letter on Monday but she dated it Saturday so as not to reveal that she procrastinated
Common Curiosities
What is a prune?
A prune is a dried plum, known for its sweet flavor and health benefits, particularly aiding digestion.
Can prunes help with digestion?
Yes, prunes are high in fiber and can help promote regular bowel movements and improve digestive health.
Where do dates come from?
Dates come from date palm trees and are consumed in both fresh and dried forms.
Can dates be used as a natural sweetener?
Yes, dates are often used as a natural sweetener in smoothies, desserts, and baked goods due to their high sugar content.
Are dates good for you?
Dates are nutritious, offering high levels of fiber, vitamins, and minerals, including energy-boosting benefits.
What nutritional benefits do prunes offer?
Prunes are rich in fiber, vitamins A and K, and minerals like potassium, contributing to bone health and digestion.
How are dates processed?
Dates can be eaten fresh but are most commonly dried, which concentrates their sweetness.
Are prunes considered a healthy snack?
Yes, prunes are a healthy snack option due to their nutrient content and fiber.
How can prunes be used in cooking?
Prunes can be eaten as a snack, added to baked goods, or used in savory dishes and sauces for natural sweetness.
How do dates and prunes differ in appearance?
Prunes are generally darker and wrinkled, while dates are larger, shiny, and range in color from light to dark brown.
What makes dates unique in taste?
Dates have a very sweet, caramel-like taste, making them a popular ingredient in desserts and sweet dishes.
Why are dates a preferred energy source for athletes?
The natural sugars in dates provide a quick energy source, making them ideal for consumption during physical activities.
What dishes are dates commonly used in?
Dates are used in a variety of dishes, from desserts and energy bars to savory appetizers.
What is the best way to consume prunes for health benefits?
Eating prunes as part of a balanced diet can contribute to digestive health and nutrient intake.
Can eating prunes improve bone health?
The nutrients in prunes, such as vitamin K and potassium, are associated with improved bone health.
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Written by
Fiza RafiqueFiza Rafique is a skilled content writer at AskDifference.com, where she meticulously refines and enhances written pieces. Drawing from her vast editorial expertise, Fiza ensures clarity, accuracy, and precision in every article. Passionate about language, she continually seeks to elevate the quality of content for readers worldwide.
Edited by
Tayyaba RehmanTayyaba Rehman is a distinguished writer, currently serving as a primary contributor to askdifference.com. As a researcher in semantics and etymology, Tayyaba's passion for the complexity of languages and their distinctions has found a perfect home on the platform. Tayyaba delves into the intricacies of language, distinguishing between commonly confused words and phrases, thereby providing clarity for readers worldwide.
