Mirabelle Plum
A subcultivar of plum tree
(Prunus domestica subsp. syriaca)
History
The mirabelle plum (Prunus domestica subsp. syriaca) has an ancient history and is closely linked to the Lorraine region. It is said that in the fifteenth century, René d’Anjou brought this fruit from Asia Minor to introduce it to France, thus marking the beginning of a long tradition of cultivation. Over the centuries, the mirabelle plum tree has established itself in the Lorraine landscape, whose production has even experienced a remarkable boom after difficult episodes affecting other crops (particularly following wine crises and phylloxera attacks); it has thus become a strong regional symbol, with the fame of varieties such as the mirabelle plum of Nancy or Metz.
Origins
Derived from the common plum tree, the mirabelle plum tree belongs to the Rosaceae family. It is classified under the species Prunus domestica subsp. syriaca and is distinguished by small fruits, juicy flesh and delicate fragrance. Its provenance, although sharing botanical characteristics with other plum trees, has historically developed in Lorraine, a region that benefits from a terroir and climate particularly conducive to its cultivation.
Orchard Management
The success of mirabelle plum cultivation is based on several essential points:
- Choice of site: Prefer a sunny location but protected from the heat.
- Soil type: The mirabelle plum tree likes rich, well-drained and amended soil (e.g. with compost), to ensure good nutrition and avoid waterlogging.
- Planting time: Fall is usually ideal for establishment, as it allows young trees to establish before the spring restart.
Density and spacing: Proper spacing promotes ventilation and limits excessive moisture, reducing the risk of disease.
Physiology
The mirabelle plum is a deciduous fruit tree that generally reaches 3 to 4 meters in height. Its physiological characteristics include:
- Flowering: Flowering takes place in spring, a crucial period for the formation of the future fruit.
- Growth: The tree has moderate growth and develops a branch allowing good ventilation of the canopy.
- Fruits: Mirabelle plums, small in size and golden yellow sometimes slightly tinged with red, are distinguished by their juicy pulp and sweet taste, characteristics that depend largely on climatic conditions and soil.
Tree management
Good management of the mirabelle plum tree requires :
- Training pruning: From the first years, it is recommended to train the framework of the tree by selecting 3 to 4 main outward-facing branches.
- Maintenance pruning: Carried out in winter (except during frost periods), it consists of removing dead wood, badly oriented or overly cluttered branches, in order to improve aeration and light penetration into the canopy.
- Wound protection: After each pruning, the application of a healing sealant (e.g. tar-based) helps to protect the tree from infections and fungi.
Fruit Quality
Mirabelle plums are distinguished by:
- Appearance: A small fruit, with a thin and slightly waxy skin (the pruine) which helps to preserve it.
- Taste and aroma: They have a dense, juicy flesh rich in sugar, with delicate aromas and a slight acidity that make them ideal for fresh consumption or processing into jams, pies or distillates.
- Nutritional value: Rich in vitamin C and other micronutrients, they provide interesting dietary elements in the diet.
Plant Protection
To preserve the health of the mirabelle plum tree, several practices are recommended:
- Regular monitoring: Careful monitoring allows you to quickly identify pest attacks (such as aphids) or the appearance of diseases (such as moniliosis or rust).
- Preventive treatments: The use of biological treatments (nettle manure, horsetail manure) can strengthen the tree’s natural defences.
- Cultural interventions: Regular pruning to remove diseased wood, removal of fruit that has remained on the tree or fallen to the ground, and mulching the soil help to limit moisture and the risk of infection.
Harvest
Mirabelle plums are harvested in summer, as soon as the fruits have reached their optimal ripeness:
- Timing: It is essential not to let the fruit ripen too much on the tree in order to prevent them from falling off and deteriorating.
- Harvesting methods: In professional orchards, mechanical systems (such as vibrators combined with tarpaulins) can be used, while in quality productions, manual picking is preferred to avoid shocks and preserve the integrity of the fruit.
- Post-harvest storage: Mirabelle plums, being fragile, must be handled with care and kept cool (refrigerated) if they are not eaten immediately.
