Prunes

The cultivation of plums that are then dried into prunes began in ancient western Asia and gradually spread to Europe and, by the mid-1800's, America. Both prune juice and dried prunes have laxative effects, not to mention that they also help regulate the digestive system because they are rich in dietary fiber. In addition, prunes are a rich source of vitamin K and a moderate source of several B vitamin and dietary minerals. Even though they might be best known as tools to help constipation and bad digestion, cooking with prunes can actually come with tasty results as well, from baked goods to hearty salads perfect for fall.