Should prunes be washed before eating?: A Nutrition Diet Guide

October 5, 2025 •

4 min read

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), an estimated 48 million people get sick from foodborne illness each year. Understanding proper food handling is key, which is why many wonder: should prunes be washed before eating, and are there risks to skipping this step?

Quick Summary

It is generally recommended to rinse or wash all produce, including dried fruits like prunes, to remove potential contaminants like dust, debris, and pesticide residue. Commercial processing can minimize this risk, but cross-contamination can occur during handling or storage. Always wash prunes unless the packaging explicitly states they are ready-to-eat.

Key Points

Always Wash Prunes: Even packaged prunes can carry surface contaminants like dust, dirt, or bacteria from handling and transport.
Use Cool, Running Water: The most effective way to wash prunes is to rinse them under a stream of cool tap water in a colander for about 30 seconds.
Avoid Soaking for Too Long: Prolonged soaking can change the texture and flavor of the prunes; a quick rinse is sufficient.
Check for 'Ready-to-Eat' Labels: Wash prunes unless the packaging explicitly states they have been pre-washed and are ready for consumption.
Consider a Vinegar Rinse for Extra Safety: For a deeper clean, a short vinegar-water soak followed by a fresh water rinse can help, though it may leave a faint vinegar taste.
Dry Before Storage: Pat prunes dry before storing them in an airtight container to prevent moisture buildup and mold.
Proper Storage Extends Shelf Life: Store dried prunes in a cool, dry place or in the refrigerator for longer-lasting freshness.

Should Prunes Be Washed Before Eating?

The simple answer is yes; it is a best practice to wash prunes before eating them, even if they are store-bought and packaged. While dried fruit undergoes various processes to increase its shelf life, it is still exposed to potential contaminants at many points in its journey from the farm to your plate. Rinsing helps to remove surface dirt, dust, and any residues that may have accumulated, significantly reducing the risk of foodborne illnesses.

Potential Contaminants on Prunes

Dried prunes, like other dried fruits, are not immune to the risks of contamination, which can occur at several stages:

Farming and Harvesting: Prunes originate as plums growing on trees in an agricultural setting. Exposure to soil, water, and pests means bacteria like E. coli or Salmonella could be present.
Processing and Drying: While prunes are cleaned and dehydrated, no process is 100% effective at removing all contaminants. Some processors might also use additives like sulfites to preserve color and prevent spoilage, which can be washed off.
Handling and Packaging: After dehydration, prunes are handled by various people and machines during sorting and packaging. The potential for human contact means germs can be transferred.
Storage and Transport: Packaged prunes are transported and stored in various locations where they can collect dust or become compromised. Even if a package is sealed, it’s best to practice caution.
Retail Environment: At the grocery store, packages may be handled by many customers. While the risk is low, damage to packaging could allow contaminants inside.

How to Properly Wash Prunes

Washing dried fruit requires a different approach than fresh produce, as soaking for too long can rehydrate them and change their texture. The following is a simple, effective method:

Place the prunes in a colander or fine-mesh strainer.
Rinse them thoroughly under cool, running water for about 30 seconds.
For added security, some people opt for a quick vinegar rinse by soaking the prunes for a few minutes in a mixture of four parts water to one part white distilled vinegar, followed by a final rinse.
Once rinsed, pat the prunes dry with a clean paper towel or a salad spinner to remove excess moisture.
Allow the prunes to air-dry for a short time to ensure they are not moist before storing.

Comparison: Unwashed vs. Washed Prunes


Feature	Unwashed Prunes	Washed Prunes
Potential Contaminants	Higher risk of surface bacteria (e.g., E. coli), pesticide residues, dust, and handling germs.	Significantly reduced risk of surface bacteria, pesticide residues, and other debris.
Texture and Flavor	Retains original texture; flavor is unaffected.	Minimal change in texture or flavor if washed quickly. Extended soaking can alter texture.
Foodborne Illness Risk	Increased risk, especially for vulnerable individuals (e.g., young children, pregnant women, the elderly).	Reduced risk, making them safer for consumption.
Best for	Immediate consumption if package is marked 'ready to eat' and you trust the source.	All general consumption and recipes, particularly those with no additional cooking.
Preparation Time	Minimal to none.	Adds an extra minute or two to preparation.

Safe Storage for Prunes

Proper storage is critical for maintaining the quality and safety of your prunes, whether they have been washed or not. To keep them fresh for longer, follow these tips:

Airtight Container: Always transfer prunes from their original, opened packaging into an airtight container or a resealable plastic bag.
Cool, Dry Place: Store your container in a cool, dry cupboard, away from direct sunlight and heat sources, which can degrade the fruit.
Refrigeration: For prolonged freshness, especially in hot or humid climates, refrigerate the prunes. They can last for several months in the fridge.
Freezing: For long-term storage of up to a year, prunes can be frozen in a freezer-safe bag or container.

Conclusion

While eating prunes directly from the package might seem harmless, taking a moment to wash them is a simple and effective measure to ensure food safety. Rinsing under cool, running water removes surface contaminants, minimizing the risk of exposure to bacteria, pesticide residues, and other debris that can accumulate during processing and handling. For maximum safety and peace of mind, make it a standard practice to wash all dried fruits, including prunes, unless the packaging explicitly states they have been pre-washed and are ready to eat. This small act of caution is a powerful step toward a healthier and safer nutritional diet.

Why You Should Wash Your Prunes

Removes contaminants: Rinsing prunes removes potential surface contaminants like dirt, dust, and pesticide residues.
Prevents cross-contamination: Washing helps prevent the transfer of germs from the fruit to other food items and surfaces in your kitchen.
Ensures hygiene: Prunes are handled multiple times during processing, packaging, and shipping, making washing a crucial hygienic step.
Eliminates preservatives: A quick wash can help remove surface preservatives, such as sulfites, that some individuals may be sensitive to.
Best practice for all produce: Adopting the practice of washing all produce, including dried fruit, is a sound habit for overall food safety.

Health Benefits of Prunes

Digestive health: Prunes are well known for their high fiber and sorbitol content, which helps promote regular bowel movements and can alleviate constipation.
Bone health: Studies suggest that prunes may help preserve bone mineral density, particularly in postmenopausal women, due to their rich content of vitamin K and other nutrients.
Heart health: The soluble fiber and potassium in prunes can help lower cholesterol and blood pressure, supporting overall cardiovascular health.
Antioxidant properties: Prunes are packed with antioxidants, which help combat oxidative stress and reduce inflammation.
Blood sugar control: Despite their sweetness, prunes have a low glycemic index, which helps prevent sharp spikes in blood sugar levels.

Frequently Asked Questions

For maximum safety, it is recommended to wash prunes before eating them, even if they are straight out of a sealed bag. This removes any dust, dirt, or bacteria that could have come into contact with the fruit during processing or handling.

Yes, it is possible to get a foodborne illness from not washing prunes. Unwashed produce, including dried fruits, can harbor bacteria like E. coli or Salmonella. While the risk is generally low for packaged products, washing significantly reduces this potential health hazard.

To wash prunes without making them soggy, use a colander and rinse them under cool, running water for a brief period (about 30 seconds). Avoid soaking them. After rinsing, pat them dry with a paper towel or use a salad spinner to remove excess moisture.

The drying process, which significantly lowers the prunes' moisture content, does inhibit microbial growth. However, it may not kill all bacteria or remove surface contaminants that accumulate during and after processing, making a final wash a sensible precaution.

After washing and thoroughly drying, store prunes in an airtight container or a resealable bag. Keep them in a cool, dry, dark place. For a longer shelf life, especially in warm climates, refrigeration is recommended.

Yes, organic prunes should also be washed. While they are grown without synthetic pesticides, they can still be contaminated with bacteria from soil, animal contact, or human handling during processing. Washing all produce, regardless of how it was grown, is a recommended food safety practice.

No, the FDA and other food safety experts do not recommend using soap, detergent, or bleach to wash produce. The porous surface of prunes can absorb these chemicals, leaving harmful residues. Simple, cool, running water is sufficient and safest.