French Plums
Production area
Grand-Est, Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes, Provence-Alpes-Côte d’Azur, Occitanie
The French plum family is vast! It includes Reines-Claudes, Mirabelles, Quetsch plums, Ente plums and many more besides. Ranging in color from green to yellow and blue, and with a wide variety of sizes, plums can be enjoyed from July to October, both raw and cooked. In short, these fruits are bursting with juice, and there is one to suit every taste!
What you need to know
Plums have had a place on our tables for centuries. Like many fruits and vegetables, they are thought to have been introduced to Europe by the Romans before becoming popular in France during the Middle Ages, then during the Renaissance. So, they have a long history, which is thanks to the tree itself. Not only is the plum tree particularly hardy, it has a lifespan of 20 to 50 years! Conscious of these qualities, French plum farmers take great care over their trees. For many years now, they have been working to reduce water use, limit the use of certain products, and develop organic production. Consequently, Reines-Claudes, Mirabelles, Quetsch plums and other varieties are cultivated with the utmost care from the east to the south, from the first spring flowers to the fruits harvested from July to October. To prove it, Reines-Claudes plums have a Label Rouge and Lorraine plums have a PGI! What better reason to hold onto the summer!
Characteristics
Look
Whilst the skin is generally smooth and unblemished, its color differs depending on the variety. Reines-Claudes are green and golden, Mirabelles are orange-yellow and Quetsch and Ente plums are purplish-blue.
Touch
The flesh of the plums should yield slightly to the touch, without being soft.
Taste
Plums are characterized by a firm (Quetsch) to tender (Mirabelle), juicy and tasty flesh.
Nutritional benefits
Plums are good for you: they contain antioxidants, minerals, and vitamins.
Editor's note
« Don’t worry if there is a slight layer of white covering the plums. This is bloom - a natural wax produced by the fruit itself to protect against heat. Nature is smart, isn’t it? »
How to use
Storing French plums
Plums can be stored for up to 10 days in the vegetable drawer of the refrigerator.
Preparing French plums
Like the vast majority of fruits, plums should be washed before eating or cooking.
Serving French plums
Plums can be enjoyed in a thousand and one ways. Raw, as table fruits. But also cooked, in pies, crumble, clafoutis, jam or simply seared in a pan.
Pair with
Enjoy with pork, rabbit, pear, rosemary, or almonds. As for wine, pour a glass of Gewurztraminer Vendanges Tardives.
On the same subject
Recipes with this product
French Desserts
Mirabelle Plum and Almond Mini Clafoutis
In partnership with Fruit and Veg from France
Revisited French Classics
French plum, tomato, and apricot tartlets
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Fruits & Vegetables
