How to store prunes at home correctly, the best ways

Features of storage in the refrigerator

If there are a lot of prunes, then the best solution would be to store them in the refrigerator. Also, this method is recommended for rooms with high humidity or high temperatures. Fundamental rules:

dried fruits should be whole, dense, without dents or other damage;
storage is carried out in portions (how many containers to use depends on the quantity);
the containers are placed on the lower shelves or in the refrigerator door.

At least once a week, it is necessary to visually check containers with blanks for the presence of moisture. If it appears, you need to rinse and dry the fruits, sterilize or rinse the containers before refilling the product.

Features of drying by various methods

Below is a comparison of the effect on the final product of different drying methods of any fruit.

Drying in the shade is a long, but the most correct way. The moisture from the fruit evaporates evenly and gradually.
Drying in the sun is a faster way, but not all useful substances are stored in fruits (vitamins A and C do not like heat, so they are partially lost).
Drying in industrial ovens is compulsory. During this process, half of the vitamins and minerals are destroyed.

The following is information on how to store prunes and dried apricots (the methods are absolutely identical).

Dried fruits should be chosen not only for their beautiful appearance. The perfect look can be obtained through chemical treatment. It is better to choose fruits that are not brittle and dry.

How to check the quality? Rub the back of your hand with the fruit. Traces left on the hand speak of low quality.

Also, when buying, you need to pay attention to the date of manufacture of this product and the shelf life. Having chosen dried fruits for home storage, it is advisable to re-stick the sticker from the packaging (if any) to a new container

In the absence of a production date on the fruit, they should be eaten within one year.

The following is information on how to store prunes in your home.

Why is it so useful

It contains a large amount of vitamins A, P, C, B1, B2 and there is also phosphorus, potassium, iron, sodium, magnesium, calcium.
Includes sucrose, glucose, oxalic, malic and citric acids, pectin and tannins.
Prunes are recommended for vitamin deficiency and anemia.
A good helper for constipation and difficult digestion.
Gourmets love it very much, they even add it to meat dishes, except for compotes and pastries.

Most often, these dried fruits are sold in large supermarkets or in the market, so in order to save time, I want to buy more so that I don't have to go for them every time. The hostess has a question: how to keep dried fruits in their previous state so that they do not become moldy or dry?

Let's start with the fact that for long-term savings it is necessary to choose the right product. A beautiful appearance does not yet mean good quality, since gloss can be achieved using chemical treatment. Therefore, it is best if the prunes are unbreakable and dried.

The date of manufacture and shelf life are important. In the case when there is only a date, but there is no shelf life, then such prunes can be eaten only within the next six months from the date of manufacture. If you have chosen a suitable product, then glue the stick on the container in which it will be stored. It is better to eat fleshy fruits right away, but send more dried ones for storage.

Dried fruits that are made at home are not only of high quality, but also have a more subtle aroma and taste better, so if you still have a desire to dry plums yourself in order to be sure of their quality, then here are some tips on how to do it right:

Select the freshest and ripe fruits, remove the seeds and rinse.
Prepare a soda solution, for this 1 tsp. Dissolve soda in 1 liter of water. The water should be warm, dip the plums in it for one minute, remove and rinse in cold water.
Then spread this product on a baking sheet on parchment paper and dry them for a couple of hours.
This is followed by the most laborious process. Place them in a colander or metal sieve, and then follow the following pattern with them. Hold in the oven for 3 hours at a temperature of +45 ° С, dry in the air for 4 hours, return to the oven for 4 hours at a temperature of +55 ° С, again dry in the air for 4 hours and leave in the oven for 12 hours at a temperature of +75 ° С ...

Although the process is lengthy, it is considered the most correct, since prunes turn out to be unusually tasty and retains all the useful properties.

It is important to strictly adhere to the time, otherwise the prunes will not survive well or the taste will deteriorate

general information

Drying fruits such as apples, bananas, melons, apricots, plums and many others is easy to do yourself at home. There is not always time for this, and therefore, you have to buy a finished product.

But it should be remembered that fruit preparations on an industrial scale are produced using special technologies that simplify and speed up processing.

And all this affects the quality of dried fruits and their shelf life.

How to store prunes and dried apricots - dried fruits that are the most demanded and popular?

Preparing prunes for storage

In order for the preserved prunes not to lose their taste, it should be properly prepared. First of all, choose a container in which the fruit will be stored. Glass and metal options are considered ideal, as well as paper bags and bags of natural materials such as cotton or linen.

In addition, you can use special plastic containers and bags designed for storing food. When using glass jars and metal containers, they must first be washed and disinfected with hot water.

Prunes should be selected responsibly and carefully. Choose whole fruits, separating spoiled dried fruits with defects. If the prunes are humid, then they must be dried, otherwise the service life of the product will be significantly reduced.

Dried and dried prunes should not be stored in ordinary plastic bags, as the fruits will quickly deteriorate or become sticky. The shelf life of prunes at home is no more than 12 months, provided that all storage rules have been followed. Dried prunes have the longest shelf life, so if you plan to keep them in this form, it is better to completely dry the fruits first.

It is rare to find fully dried prunes on sale today. The fact is that during drying, it loses its weight, so it is unprofitable for sellers to sell it dry. Dried prunes can be stored in the refrigerator, strictly observing the storage conditions, otherwise it will become unsuitable for further use.

House storage rules

One of the most important factors that influences the shelf life of prunes is the choice of storage location. Among the most optimal places in the house where you can store this product, the following can be noted:

Dry and cool place. It is best to give preference to the pantry, storage cabinets in the kitchen. The main advantage of such places is that the prunes will be stored at room temperature.
In fridge. Usually, dried prunes are stored in cool conditions, but dried versions can also be put there. The refrigerator will be very useful in cases where the room is characterized by high humidity, unacceptable for storing dried fruit.
In the freezer. This method cannot be called popular and effective, but some people resort to it in practice.

Features of storage at room temperature

Storing prunes at room temperature is the most popular method.It allows you to preserve the taste of the product and its useful properties. If you use high-quality glass or ceramic jars, then you can ensure the safety of dried fruits for 6 or more months.

If the prunes are not dry enough, then they must be completely dried so that the product does not deteriorate quickly. After that, select good fruit that is free from defects and put it in storage containers. Paper bags can be used if there are no suitable boxes. Store prunes in a dark, dry storage area.

Refrigerator storage rules

The refrigerator is the second most popular place to store this product. The procedure looks like this:

From the total amount of prunes, you need to remove perishable fruits, after which the dried fruits are divided into small portions.
Choose a container for storage. Considering the coolness of the refrigerator, it is best to use glassware or zip bags. It is better to refrain from plastic containers for food.
Dried fruits are placed in the refrigerator. If there is a dedicated area for fresh fruit, use it. It is not necessary to close the container completely so that the prunes have access to fresh air. Close the container tightly only if other foods that have a strong odor are also stored in the refrigerator.
A couple of times a month you need to check the jar for spoiled fruits and condensation inside. If there is condensation, then it must be removed, and the dried fruit should be transferred to a clean container.

The refrigerator is an ideal solution if you plan to store dried prunes. The characteristics of the product are such that without coolness it will deteriorate.

Freezer storage

It is possible to store prunes in the freezer, but this is not always necessary. The fact is that this dried fruit is already a finished product that can be stored for a long time and without deep freezing. If you freeze prunes, this will certainly affect its taste, as well as vitamin composition.

You can store prunes for about one year, so there is no point in placing them in the freezer. Some people freeze prunes in the freezer if they plan to use them for cooking food and drinks where the product will be cooked. This allows you to ensure the safety of the beneficial qualities of the dried fruit.

Storage in paper bags and sacks

If you do not have glass and metal containers for storing prunes, then you should use linen bags, which have been popular for many years. However, this storage space can only be used if there are no moths, ants or other insects in the room. Clean cloth bags are soaked in a salt solution, after which they are dried and filled with dried fruits. Likewise, you should fill paper bags, close them tightly and leave to dry.

Careful attention should be paid to the place where the bag or package will be stored. There should be no strong-smelling products such as coffee or aromas

Sometimes, even when stored properly, prunes spoil. This is due to the fact that before drying it is treated with various substances that reduce the shelf life of the product.

Thus, storing prunes at home is a simple task if you approach it responsibly. The most important thing is to properly prepare for the procedure and strictly follow the recommendations.

For tips on storing dried fruit, see the following video.

Cloth bags and paper bags

If to the question of how to store prunes for a long time at home, the answer was bags made of natural fabric or paper bags, then you should remember about the features of this process. Need to:

there were no insects in the room (ants, cockroaches);
the fabric for making bags must be clean, natural;
paper for bags - parchment or special (kraft).

To keep dried fruits (and not only prunes) in fabric bags, you must first prepare them: soak in salted water, dry, then place the prunes and tie tightly.

Important to remember! Both fabric and paper provide good natural ventilation, due to which prunes are stored for a long time, do not lose their useful properties and attractive appearance. However, containers should be protected from the proximity with aromatic products: tea, spices, coffee, as well as household chemicals.

Storage methods and locations

Prunes differ from other dried fruits by their non-capriciousness in long-term storage. To properly store prunes at home, you need to remember just a few simple rules when choosing a place to store prunes. It should be dark with low humidity and good ventilation.

As for containers, there are no hard and fast rules. It all depends on where and with what products the dried fruit will be stored. Prunes have a strong aroma, so they do not absorb extraneous odors, but nearby bread or cereals will easily absorb the aroma of dried fruit. Therefore, the packaging must be airtight. Jars with a sealed lid or a clay pot with a silicone plug are great.

If only prunes will be stored in the cabinet, then simpler packages are also suitable:

Zip bag. The dried plum can be stored for a long time, but condensation can form on the walls of the bag, which leads to the appearance of mold on the product. Therefore, at least 1 time in 2 weeks, the dried fruit must be sorted out.
Flax bag. In the bag, the product does not grow moldy and does not lose its nutritional value and taste. But rodents and insects can easily reach it. And if there is a specific smelling product or spice next to the bag, the prune will absorb the “neighbor's” aromas.
Wooden box. A great way to preserve dried plums for 1 to 2 years. But rodents may not ignore him. Therefore, such boxes must be carefully inspected for damage by pests.
Thick paper bag. One of the best ways to store dried plums. But if a cereal moth periodically appears in the room or cockroaches are found, it is better to refuse this storage method.

The container, before packaging with prunes, is doused with boiling water or sprayed with saline and dried thoroughly.

A refrigerator is perfect for storing prunes at home. To do this, the berry is wrapped in aluminum foil, several holes are made with a toothpick for ventilation and placed on a shelf in the refrigerator door. There is optimal temperature, humidity and good ventilation.

If the dried fruit needs to be stored for a longer period, it is best to freeze it and keep it in the freezer. The product is packed as tightly as possible so that the rest of the chamber does not absorb the aroma of the berry. Containers with a lid or food bags will work.

The berry also needs to be prepared before being stored in the refrigerator:

Go through the product. Spoiled or damaged fruits are not suitable for long-term storage.
Pack dried fruit in portions so as not to re-freeze and thaw.
It is imperative to check the moisture content of the product once a week. If excess moisture has accumulated in the container, then the berry and container must be dried again.

Where to store prunes at room temperature at home

Rich in vitamins A, C, B1, B2, P, as well as potassium, iron, calcium and magnesium, the fruit is successfully stored at temperatures between 20 and 25 ° C at home. However, temperature is not the only criterion required. Prunes can be saved in several ways for the winter:

Both a ceramic container and a glass jar are suitable.For this, the best fruits are selected without scratches, dents and other defects.

The jar is disinfected by dousing with boiling water, and then wiped dry. The prunes are placed in a container and closed tightly, and then the jar is placed in a dark, cool place.

Direct sunlight, as well as storage of wet fruits, is unacceptable. Residual water is conducive to mold growth. You can save prunes in this way for up to 5-6 months, the main thing is to periodically look into the jar and separate the spoiled specimens;

The pouches should be soaked in saline and dried. Then the prunes are placed inside and the bags are tied tightly. This method provides longer storage than in a jar (up to 1 year), because the fabric material allows dried fruits to breathe.

But if there is a likelihood of an invasion of insects or rodents (especially in country houses), it is better to choose the first storage option. In addition, this method is not suitable for rooms with high levels of humidity;

Large quantities of prunes can be stored in wooden boxes.

To do this, the dried fruits are sorted out and put into a container, covered with a thick cloth on top, and the box is placed in a dark place. As in the case of a cloth bag, only a dry and dark place is suitable, without frequent changes in humidity levels. With periodic inspection, the contents of the box can be stored for 8-12 months.

In the place where dried fruits are located, other products, especially those with a strong odor, should not be stored. It is strictly forbidden to keep fruits next to household chemicals and herbs, because in such conditions prunes will acquire their rich aroma literally in a month.

To keep the delicacy longer, it can be pre-dried in a slightly preheated oven (no more than 45 ° C) for about 30 minutes.

How to choose

Choosing the right dried fruit is an important part of the storage process. A high-quality fruit should be sufficiently dried, but not brittle, and at the same time rather large.

If the product is in its original packaging, you need to look at the date of its manufacture and add 12 months to it to get the expiration date. If there is no such data, the prunes should be consumed within 6 - 9 months from the date of purchase.

Appearance is not the only indicator of the quality of prunes. The product must not contain chemical additives. If its surface is too shiny, it is better to refuse such a purchase. Perhaps this is the result of processing the product in order to give it a presentation. If you can rub a prune on your palm, you can determine if it is natural or not. The marks left on the hand will indicate its low quality and chemical processing.

How much prunes can be stored depends to a large extent on drying them. The drier the fruit, the longer it will last. The wetter fruits should be eaten first. If the shelf life of the product is not known, you should not store prunes for more than six months.

In the process of drying, the plum significantly loses its weight, so it is not profitable for the manufacturer to sell absolutely dry fruits. Knowing this, you can dry them yourself if you are planning long-term storage.

Drying methods and technology

There are several ways to properly dry plums at home with your own hands. The choice of technology is determined by the capabilities of the hostess and the properties of the product. Below are the features of preparing prunes with and without various means.

In the microwave

For cooking in the microwave, so as not to get porridge at the exit, it is necessary to select unripe fruits that retain sufficient firmness. A flat, shallow container is covered with paper, plums cut into slices are placed with the cut side up. The dishes are placed in the oven for three minutes, the heating intensity is medium.

Then the paper is removed, and the process continues for another minute, but already at maximum power. If, after sixty seconds, the plums have not reached the required condition, the procedure continues at short intervals until fully prepared.

In an electric dryer

The fruits are laid out in the pallet in the same way, but without the use of a lining in the form of paper or napkin. The process is carried out in three stages, at different temperature conditions:

for four hours at fifty-five degrees. Periodically, the trays change places (if prunes are prepared on several pallets), the fruits are turned over;
about six hours with greater heat - up to sixty degrees, the halves are mixed in the same way;
about the same time, increasing the heating even more - up to eighty degrees, until the prunes reach full readiness.

Note! It is important to maintain the specified temperature rise sequence to ensure the quality of cooking. After each stage, the pallets are removed, the fruits cool naturally, only then the process continues.

After each stage, the pallets are removed, the fruits cool naturally, only then the process continues.

In the sun

The easiest way is to dry the plums in the sun. The fruits are laid out on wooden flooring in an open place in sunny weather, dividing in half and removing the seeds. The cut pieces should be facing up to prevent moisture loss.

It is impossible to predict the exact duration of cooking in this way. It depends on the intensity of sunlight, the strength of the wind and the quality of the fruit. The plums are checked periodically to ensure they are not over-processed.

In the oven

To cook prunes in the oven, the prepared fruits are pre-poured with boiling water with dissolved two teaspoons of soda for a couple of minutes. Then the plums are washed in running cool water and dried on a towel. As a result of this procedure, small cracks appear on the surface to ensure the subsequent evaporation of moisture.

The technology resembles the process used in the case of an electric dryer. But the duration of each stage is slightly longer - about five hours, and the temperature is slightly lower. Processing begins at fifty degrees, then increases to seventy and seventy-five. The cooling time after each stage is approximately equal to the heating time. The duration of the last stage depends on the readiness of the prunes.

In the airfryer

If an airfryer is used to prepare prunes, the finished product will have a smoked flavor. But the amount at the output will turn out to be very insignificant - the volume of the finished product will decrease five times compared to the initial one.

The temperature regime is set at sixty-five degrees. The duration of the first stage is forty minutes. After - an hour for cooling, then processing for the same amount of time and with the settings set is performed one more time, and the dish is left for a day.

The next day, the procedure is repeated three more times in a similar manner. The finished product is laid out on a paper napkin for another day, then placed in canvas bags for storage.

Storing prunes at room temperature

Dried fruits can be stored in a regular kitchen cabinet, subject to a number of simple conditions:

the product must be protected from direct sunlight;
the humidity in the storage area should not be too high;
the storage container must protect from insects;
Aromatic spices and other strong-smelling foods are best kept separate from dried fruits.

Ideal for storing prunes, paper bags or linen bags. The fabric can be further processed to make the dried fruit inaccessible to insects.To do this, prepare a concentrated salt solution, soak a bag in it for a short time, and then dry it.

The fruits are sorted out before storage, the spoiled ones are removed and, if necessary, dried. Paper or linen containers are filled and tied. With this storage, prunes "breathe" and can lie, retaining their beneficial properties, for up to 6 months.

It is advisable to store a small amount of fruit in bags. If too many prunes are folded into linen or paper containers, they can quickly crumble and deteriorate. To save a large harvest, wooden boxes are used, which are placed in a dry, dark and ventilated room.

If the kitchen conditions do not allow protecting prunes from moisture and insects, it is better to use sealed containers. However, it must be remembered that dried fruits need air access, therefore, from time to time, stocks will have to be opened and aired, along the way removing spoiled specimens. Plastic or glass jars with sealed lids are suitable as containers (the containers are thoroughly washed, treated with boiling water and dried beforehand).

Home storage methods

The shelf life of prunes depends on how they are stored. The main thing is to observe certain indicators of humidity, temperature and ensure that there is no direct light hit. Among the main storage methods, it is necessary to highlight the following.

In a tightly closed container

The material of the container is practically irrelevant, since the aroma of prunes is so rich and pronounced that it is not afraid of any extraneous odors when stored under room conditions. But other products can easily absorb the aroma of prunes, so do not leave prunes with buckwheat or baked goods for a long period of time.

Packing dried fruits hermetically. A glass jar with a tight lid, a metal container or a ceramic container with a silicone stopper is perfect for this. In this state, it can be placed anywhere in the apartment where there is no direct light hit.

Important! It is not recommended to leave the product near household chemicals, over time the fruits will absorb the synthetic smell of washing powder or detergents dishes and lose their magic and alluring aroma

In fabric bags

Cloth bags and other less durable materials can only be used if the prunes are placed on an individual shelf. This method has a huge advantage over storage in sealed packaging, since it allows dried fruits to receive a sufficient amount of fresh air. To keep insects out of the product, you can soak a cloth bag using a concentrated saline solution. After that, squeeze out a little and dry the material thoroughly.

In wooden boxes

Lots of prunes are difficult to store in countless containers and cloth bags, so wooden crates are the best option. After sorting and placing the fruits in the container, cover them with a thick cloth and put them in a dry, dark place where frequent and strong temperature changes are not observed.

Periodically, prunes need to be inspected. It is recommended to store the product in such conditions from 8 to 12 months. Do not leave boxes next to pickles and other preparations for the winter, as well as dried herbs, as prunes can easily absorb their smell. To keep the delicacy longer, you need to dry it in advance in the oven at 45 degrees for no more than half an hour.

In fridge

It can be difficult to find the ideal conditions for the preservation of prunes at home due to possible sudden changes in temperature and humidity levels; in this situation, it is recommended to consider how to store products in the refrigerator.To do this, put the dried plums in the selected container and place them in the section intended for fruits and vegetables, while it is better not to completely close the dishes and bags for air to enter.

Freezing of prunes is allowed, but on condition that it will be used for the manufacture of meat dishes, sweet desserts, vitamin drinks, where it undergoes heat treatment. So the loss of its taste and valuable elements is not very noticeable.

In a bag with a special fastener

The danger of a bag with a special fastener is that if you close it loosely, condensation will appear on the walls, and the product will quickly become moldy. Therefore, you need to regularly ventilate and get rid of spoiled fruits. Wet fruits should be re-dried and only then sent back to the bag.

Plastic containers

In containers made of plastic and glass, prunes retain their healing properties many times longer. The main thing is to dry the fruits, make sure that there are no wet specimens among them, and only then send them to the container, hermetically closing it. Fruits that are fleshy and moist should be eaten as soon as possible, as they are unstable and can spoil all dried plums.

Plum marshmallow

Plums can be used to make marshmallow - a delicious and healthy dessert. The recipes for its preparation are quite diverse, but they all boil down to making plum puree, which is dried in thin layers.

If desired, sugar can be replaced with honey, and also your favorite spices can be added: cloves, cinnamon, etc.

Ripe plums must be washed, peeled of stalks and seeds. You can make the marshmallow puree on the stovetop or in the oven.

In the first case, a cast-iron or non-stick cookware is needed, at the bottom of which water 1 cm high is poured and chopped plums are poured.

The dishes are covered with a lid, the plums are boiled for 1 hour on low heat, you do not need to stir them.

Then the plum mass is removed from the heat and cooled.

The cooled plums are wiped through a sieve. Mashed potatoes are cooked with added sugar over low heat for 1 hour with continuous stirring.

In the second case, finely chopped plums are placed in a heat-resistant dish and simmer under a closed lid in the oven at medium temperature. After the juice appears, sugar is added to them, the mass is mixed and returned to the oven. When the sugar is completely dissolved, the plums are cooled and rubbed through a sieve.

The finished puree is laid out in a thin layer on a baking sheet. To avoid burning, it is pre-lined with parchment paper. Do not make the mash layer too thin, otherwise the finished marshmallow will tear when removed. Too thick a layer of puree will not dry well. The optimum thickness is 3–6 mm.

The finished marshmallow sheets are rolled into tubes or cut into slices and stored in a cool dry place. It is necessary to ensure that the pastila does not become damp during storage. Repeat the drying procedure if necessary.

Regardless of the drying method, properly prepared dried fruits can be stored for a long time. At the same time, they retain all the beneficial properties of fresh plums.

How much to store dried plums

So if you purchased prunes on the market, then the shelf life of dried fruits can vary from 6 to 12 months. If you dried plums at home, then the shelf life of prunes will be 1-2 years.

A suitable container for storing all dried fruits at home, not just dried plums, are wooden boxes with holes through which a sufficient amount of air enters. You can also store dried plums in metal, plastic, or glass tight-fitting jars.

If you choose a wooden box to store your prunes, place the dried plum in a dry, cool, well-ventilated area.If you have to store dried fruits in an airtight container, first thoroughly wash the container (along with the lid), then pour over boiling water and dry thoroughly. Next, you should transfer the dried plum into a container and close it with a tight lid. It is advisable to sign the container with prunes and indicate the date of packaging and shelf life.

Store dried fruits at home in a ventilated and dry place.

If you do not use dried fruit every day, once a week, arrange an audit and check if moisture has penetrated into the dried fruit. If you notice that the dried plum has become wet, remove the prunes and dry them. Process the container again and refill the prunes.

You can store prunes at home in the refrigerator. To do this, transfer the dried fruits to zip bags and place them in the fruit and vegetable storage box. However, you can store prunes in the refrigerator compartment on the door. Most importantly, do not forget to leave ventilation in the bag so that air can flow to the dried fruits.

If you have a lot of prunes or you use them very rarely, then you can freeze dried fruits. To do this, place the dried plum in bags or containers and put it in the freezer. Remove dried fruit as needed, thaw at room temperature and use as directed.

Tips and tricks for keeping dried fruit

A few more tips on how to store prunes correctly:

Usually the product is sold dried to increase the mass of the fruit due to the remaining liquid. Purchased dried fruits must be dried again in the oven before storing them. Then remove and allow to cool completely so that condensation does not appear on the walls of the container. Otherwise, the entire supply of plums will be spoiled.
To protect the supply of dried fruits from pests, you can put a sprig of lemon balm or peppermint in a container with prunes. A carnation will do. 1 piece will be enough. Next to the container, you can put a container with salt, and treat the walls and shelves of the cabinet with a weak solution of vinegar.
Purchased dried fruits are stored for no more than 6 months, in the freezer no more than 10 months. Prunes of our own production can be stored for up to 2 years with the right choice of packaging and storage location.

If you follow all the rules for storing dried fruit, it will be stored for a long time on the shelves at home. And even in winter you can feel the taste of summer.

How to Pick a Good Prune for Storage

For obvious reasons, the priority should be given not to factory prunes at all. If it is not possible to make dried fruits at home, a serious approach is required to the choice of purchased ones:

Attention should be paid to fruits in transparent packaging, this is the only way to evaluate their appearance. If the delicacy is publicly available, you need to keep in mind that at home such a purchase will have to be processed more carefully by soaking the dried plum in water with the addition of baking soda

This will destroy harmful substances and disinfect the product.
Brilliant goodies look attractive, but preference should be given to fruits with a matte even shade. If the prune glistens, it was treated with glycerin. But still glycerin is not as terrible as lipids of unknown origin, which can be dangerous to eat.
The prunes should not be completely dry. A good dried fruit will be slightly soft to the touch and firm.
Incorrect processing will give a brown tint. Most likely, such a product was scalded with boiling water before drying. This is done to increase the shelf life and for antiseptic purposes. Such a purchase will taste bitter, in addition, scalded fruits lose much in vitamins to properly processed prunes.
A high-quality dried fruit retains its shape - after pressing, no dents remain on the surface, so it makes sense to take the first specimen that comes across from the total mass and check it by lightly pressing on it with your finger.
On sale you can find pitted peeled prunes.It is convenient to eat it, in addition, such a delicacy is safe for small children. But the vitamins in boneless prunes are much less than in a product that has everything in place.
It is very easy to check the availability of chemicals after purchase. It is enough to soak the prunes in warm water and evaluate their appearance after 30 minutes. A high-quality natural product will lose color, dried fruit stuffed with chemicals will not show any changes.

Several types of dried fruits cannot be stored together, as different fruits require a different moisture index.