Prunes for canning or drying are shaken like nut crops. C. Handling and Packing. Fresh plums are handled just as peaches, but with more care since they are more susceptible to bruising. Hydrocooling is essential to extend post-harvest life. Prunes used to be dried in the sun like raisins, but now are dried in forced air tunnels heated by gas for a more uniform product.
Plums have similar storage characteristics and problems as peaches, cherries, and apricots.
Brown rot and Rhizopus rot, and blue and grey molds are the most common storage problems. Chilling injuries and various breakdowns occur if storage is prolonged, but usually this is avoided by prompt marketing.