All prunes are plums, but not all plums are prunes. There are varieties of plums. Certain varieties are tasty when they are dried. These dried plums are what we know as prunes. Plums that are particularly well suited for this are called by the more precise name of prune plums.
Although prune plums are grown in many countries, the state of California is the leading grower. In fact, most of the world's prunes are produced there—some 150,000 tons of the dried fruit annually! California's warm, dry climate is ideal for growing them.
It appears that Alexander the Great found plums in Persia and sent them back to Greece in the fourth century B.C.E. From Greece they were taken to other European lands, especially France. In the middle of the last century, they were imported from France to California. Now they are also grown in other western states, including Oregon, Washington and Idaho.
Although prune plums are grown in many countries, the state of California is the leading grower. In fact, most of the world's prunes are produced there—some 150,000 tons of the dried fruit annually! California's warm, dry climate is ideal for growing them.
It appears that Alexander the Great found plums in Persia and sent them back to Greece in the fourth century B.C.E. From Greece they were taken to other European lands, especially France. In the middle of the last century, they were imported from France to California. Now they are also grown in other western states, including Oregon, Washington and Idaho.
