Salmon is a great staple, quick, reliable, and rich in omega-3s. But as easy as it is to prepare, it's also notoriously easy to get wrong. Too dry, too bland, too 'fishy', even good salmon can end up feeling a little underwhelming. However, there is one unexpected ingredient that can completely change that.

It may sound odd at first, but prunes, with their deep natural sweetness, subtle tang, and rich texture make them perfect for a luscious glaze to complement the salmon fillets. This glaze comes together by simmering roughly chopped prunes in water until plump, then blending them with balsamic vinegar, fresh orange juice, and smashed garlic.

Sunsweet, a leading brand in prunes and dried fruits, starts this recipe by placing 1 cup of roughly chopped prunes in a saucepan and covering them with water.

Bring to a boil, then simmer for six to eight minutes until the prunes are plump and tender.

Next, drain and blend the prunes with ¼ cup of balsamic vinegar, the juice of half an orange, and two smashed garlic cloves, adding about ¼ cup of water to achieve a smooth, glossy sauce.

Then, place one to two pounds of salmon fillets on a lined baking tray and generously brush each fillet with one to two tablespoons of the prune glaze. Season with salt, pepper, and a sprinkle of sesame seeds.

For extra flavour, the glaze can be used as a marinade by simply coating the salmon and chill for 30 minutes before cooking.

Bake the salmon in a preheated oven at 220C for about 15 minutes, or until the fish flakes easily with a fork.

Garnish with chopped green onions or chives and serve alongside your favourite roasted vegetables.

This prune glaze recipe offers a wonderful way to add natural sweetness and complexity to salmon.

Prunes are also a great source of dietary fibre, vitamins, and antioxidants, adding an extra boost of nutrition to every bite.

Studies suggest that prunes have a wide range of health benefits including helping with bone health, heart health as well as reducing the risk of type 2 diabetes.