Prunes are dried plums, most often of the European plum variety (Prunus domestica). Prunes cannot be made from all species or types of plums. Most plums cultivated for fresh consumption are clingstone cultivars, whereas the majority of prunes are freestone cultivars (the pit is simple to remove). For drying, more than a thousand varieties of plums are grown. The "Improved French" prune is the primary cultivar farmed in the United States. Sutter, Tulare Giant, Moyer, Imperial, Italian, and greengages are among additional types. Despite typically being smaller in size, fresh prunes arrive on the market before fresh plums do. Most commercially available prune types are self-fertile and don't require additional pollinator trees.