Prugna, Susina, Prugna Secca

In Italian, the words prugna and susina are both used to refer to plums, while prugna secca is the name given to prunes. The plum originates from Asia but grows very successfully all over Europe, as well as many other parts of the world. Italy produces about 150,000 tonnes a year, concentrating on Regina Claudia (greengages, my preference), Prugna d’ltalia, Precoce die Guignao, Formosa, Dane Aubert, Santarosa Stanley, Blue Gestetter and California Blue, as well as greengages with their sweet flesh and green skin. The main regions for plum cultivation are Emilia-Romagna, Campania, Morele, Alto Adige and Piedmont.