Early Italian Prune has dark purple skin with yellow-greenish flesh. This flesh becomes a dark wine color when cooked. The prune separates easily and freely from its pit; a freestone fruit. Being a good commercial quality prune variety, it produces ten days to two weeks ahead of regular Italian. Early Italian Prune is a large fruit that has a rich flavor and is very sweet when fully ripe. Use it fresh, dried or canned.
The Early Italian Prune tree is vigorous and cold hardy. In the spring it offers a spectacular show of spring hues with its lovely white flowering. Providing attractive foliage and bark, it will look great in the yard all year round! No pollinator is required and it grows to 8-14 feet so does well in a small yard. Early Italian will need at least 6 hours of sun a day and will thrive in zones 5-9.
Prune trees are fast growing and usually begin producing fruit in 3 to 5 years after planting. Prunes are rich in dietary fiber that is effective in improving digestion. They are low in calories and contain ample amounts of vitamin C, calcium, potassium, and carbohydrates.