Are prunes and figs the same? A definitive guide to dried fruit differences

November 9, 2025 •

4 min read

While it's a common misconception, studies show that prunes are significantly richer in vitamin K, while figs boast higher levels of calcium and iron. The answer to "Are prunes and figs the same?" is no; they are entirely different fruits with distinct origins, nutritional profiles, and culinary uses.

Quick Summary

Prunes are dried plums from the Prunus genus, while figs grow on the Ficus tree. This distinction results in major differences in nutritional content, flavor, texture, and health benefits, particularly their distinct effects on digestive health.

Key Points

Different Fruits: Prunes are dried plums, while figs are the fruit of the fig tree, making them distinct from the very start.
Nutritional Differences: Prunes contain higher levels of Vitamin K, while figs are notably richer in minerals such as calcium, iron, and magnesium.
Digestive Effects: The presence of sorbitol in prunes gives them a faster, more pronounced laxative effect, whereas figs rely on their higher total fiber content for digestive benefits.
Flavor Profile: Prunes have a tangy sweetness, while figs are known for their mild, honey-like flavor.
Texture Contrast: Prunes are soft and dense with a single pit, while figs have a unique, chewy texture filled with many tiny, crunchy, edible seeds.
Low Glycemic Index: Prunes have a low glycemic index of 29, making them a better option for blood sugar management compared to figs' medium glycemic index of 61.
Culinary Versatility: Figs are more versatile for both sweet and savory applications like salads and cheese boards, while prunes are often preferred for baking and meat glazes.

What is a Prune?

A prune is simply a dried plum. However, not all plums are suitable for this process. Specific plum varieties, primarily European types like the d'Agen, are bred to have high sugar content and a firm flesh that allows them to dry without fermenting. Prunes are known for their dark, wrinkled skin and rich, sweet flavor with a slightly tangy undernote. They have a chewy, dense texture and contain a hard pit, which is often removed during processing. The history of plums, from which prunes are made, traces back to Eastern Europe and the Caucasus, where they were among the first domesticated fruits.

What is a Fig?

A fig is the edible fruit of the fig tree, scientifically known as Ficus carica, a member of the mulberry family. Figs have a unique shape, often described as a pouch or teardrop, with thin, edible skin that ranges in color from green to deep purple. The most distinguishing feature of a fig is its interior: a soft, succulent pulp filled with hundreds of tiny, crunchy edible seeds. These seeds are an integral part of the fig's texture. Native to the Middle East and Western Asia, figs have been cultivated for thousands of years and are a staple of the Mediterranean diet.

Origins and Growth: Beyond Just a Name

The fundamental difference between prunes and figs starts with their botanical origins. Prunes are a byproduct of another fruit (plums), whereas a fig is a fruit in its own right. The drying process for prunes is a specific agricultural step, while figs can be eaten fresh or dried, and some varieties naturally dry on the tree.

Figs also have a fascinating pollination history. For some varieties, a specific wasp is required to carry pollen, although modern agricultural developments have reduced this necessity for commercially grown figs. In contrast, plums do not require this specific relationship for fruit development. This biological difference results in the contrasting internal structure: the pit of a prune versus the seeds of a fig. Figs also don't ripen well after picking, which is a key consideration for harvesting, unlike many plums.

Prunes vs. Figs: A Nutritional and Sensory Breakdown


Feature	Prunes (Dried Plums)	Figs (Dried Figs)
Source	Dried varieties of the plum fruit (Prunus domestica)	Fruit of the fig tree (Ficus carica)
Appearance	Wrinkled, dark purple/reddish-brown, oval shape	Pouch-shaped, ranges from light green to deep purple
Taste	Sweet and slightly tangy	Honey-like, mild sweetness
Texture	Soft, dense, and chewy; contains a large pit	Soft flesh with a crunchy texture from tiny edible seeds
Fiber Content (per 100g)	Approximately 7g	Approximately 9.8g
Key Vitamins	Richer in Vitamin K, B2, B3, B6, and A	Better source of Vitamin B1, B9 (folate), and C
Key Minerals	Good source of potassium	Richer in calcium, iron, magnesium, and manganese
Glycemic Index	Low (around 29)	Medium (around 61)
Calorie Count (per 100g)	Approx. 240 calories	Approx. 249 calories

Health Benefits and Digestive Impact

While both fruits are renowned for their digestive benefits due to high fiber content, they work in slightly different ways. Prunes contain sorbitol, a natural sugar alcohol, in addition to fiber. This combination gives prunes a more pronounced and rapid laxative effect, making them a standard recommendation for constipation relief. Figs, on the other hand, have a higher overall fiber content, including both soluble and insoluble types, and natural enzymes that aid digestion and promote gut health through prebiotics. The seeds also provide a gentle scrubbing action in the intestines. For many, the choice for digestion comes down to personal taste and individual response. Figs are often described as having a milder effect, while prunes work more quickly.

Culinary Uses and Flavor Profile

Prunes are often used in baked goods, such as cakes and breads, or in savory dishes like stews and meat glazes, thanks to their distinct tangy sweetness. They are also a popular addition to breakfast cereals and smoothies. Figs, with their delicate honey-like flavor, are incredibly versatile. They can be paired with savory foods, such as cheese and salads, or used in desserts and jams. Their edible seeds add a delightful texture that prunes simply don't possess. The milder taste of figs makes them a more neutral sweetener in cooking compared to prunes' more assertive flavor.

Conclusion: The Right Choice for Your Needs

In summary, prunes and figs are fundamentally different dried fruits derived from separate plants. The choice between them often comes down to specific nutritional goals and flavor preference. If you are seeking a fast-acting natural remedy for constipation, the sorbitol and fiber combination in prunes may be more effective. For those looking for a boost in calcium and a milder flavor, figs are an excellent choice. Both offer significant health benefits, from antioxidants to vitamins, making them a great addition to a healthy diet. The key is to recognize their unique qualities and appreciate each one for what it offers. Whether you prefer the tangy chew of a prune or the seedy sweetness of a fig, both are delicious and healthy dried fruit options.

Additional Resources

For an in-depth, side-by-side nutritional analysis of these two fruits, consult a reputable nutrition comparison database. For example: Dried Figs vs. Prunes — Nutrition & Health Impact Comparison

A Quick Summary: Lists

Prune Quick Facts:

Derived from plums, not figs.
Dark, wrinkled appearance with a soft texture.
Sweet and tangy flavor.
Contains sorbitol, making it a well-known laxative.
Higher in vitamin K.
Lower glycemic index compared to figs.

Fig Quick Facts:

Derived from the fig tree, Ficus carica.
Pouch-shaped with tiny, crunchy edible seeds inside.
Mild, honey-like sweetness.
Higher in overall dietary fiber.
Richer in key minerals like calcium and iron.
Used extensively in Mediterranean cuisine.

What are prunes and figs used for?

Prunes:

Baking (cakes, breads)
Savory glazes for meats
Breakfast foods (oatmeal, smoothies)
Natural remedy for constipation

Figs:

Snacking, both fresh and dried
Pairing with cheeses (e.g., goat cheese)
Salads and grain bowls
Jams and preserves

Article Word Count: 887

Frequently Asked Questions

The main difference is their source: prunes are dried plums, whereas figs are the fruit of the fig tree. This fundamental distinction influences their taste, texture, and nutritional makeup.

Not usually. While they are both dried fruits, their distinct flavors and textures are not always interchangeable. The tangy flavor of prunes and the seedy texture of figs serve different culinary purposes.

Both are effective, but prunes are often cited as being faster and more effective due to their higher sorbitol content, a natural laxative. Figs, with more overall fiber, offer a gentler effect.

Both are high in natural sugar, but the type differs. Dried figs have a higher glycemic index (61) than prunes (29), indicating that prunes have a more moderate impact on blood sugar levels.

Neither is definitively healthier; they have different nutritional strengths. Prunes are higher in Vitamin K, while figs are richer in calcium and iron. The 'healthier' option depends on your specific dietary needs.

Prunes are originally from Eastern Europe and the Caucasus region, being dried versions of specific plum varieties. Figs are native to Western Asia and the Middle East, growing on the fig tree.

The distinctive crunchy texture of a fig comes from the hundreds of tiny, edible seeds that fill its interior. These seeds are a key characteristic of the fruit.