Freestone refers to a type of fruit that has a pit or stone that can be easily removed from the flesh. Common examples of freestone fruits include peaches, plums, and cherries. The term is used to distinguish these fruits from clingstone varieties, where the flesh adheres tightly to the pit. In gardening and agriculture, freestone fruits are often preferred for canning and cooking because they are easier to prepare. The ability to separate the stone from the fruit without much effort makes them popular among home cooks and commercial producers alike.