How to make prunes from plums

Ideally you need a large wickerwork tray but a rectangular wooden frame with close wire-netting will do. The important thing is for air to get at the plums from all sides during the initial drying process. Then there is the question of the plums. Some say you shouldn’t pick them but shake the tree and use those which fall. If you need only a few, then by all means go up the tree but pick only those which actually drop into your hand by their own weight. In any event use only those which are completely sound, with unbroken skin and free from insects of any kind.