Mirabelle plum is known from France, where it has been popular for about 600 years. In Germany, however, it has only been native for 300 years. They belong to the plums and the rose family. At the same time, mirabelle plum is the smallest and finest variety.
This is what you should know about the mirabelle plum
Mirabelle is not only one of the sweetest and most popular garden fruits, but it is also very healthy. Mirabelle is primarily characterized by the high content of potassium. Mirabelle is the little sister of plums and botanically it is a subspecies of plums. The mirabelle has its origin in Asia. The yellow plum species originated from crosses of the cultivated plum. It arrived in Europe in the 16th century, where the mirabelle tree quickly became native. Lorraine is the largest growing region. There are several varieties of mirabelles. Some rely on a pollinator, while other self-fruiting varieties do not require cross-pollination. Among the best-known varieties are Nancy, Bellamira, and the Metz mirabelle. These popular sweet fruits are used almost exclusively for making fruit brandies and liqueurs. One mirabelle weighs only about ten grams. Typical for them are the spherical shape as well as the golden yellow color. The side of the stone fruit, which has received a lot of sun, is also dotted with red. The firm flesh of the mirabelle is orange-yellow to green-yellow. It separates easily from the pit and tastes very aromatic sweet to sweet-sour. The harvest time of mirabelles is from July to September. The plant needs a lot of sunshine so that the fruits can develop their full aroma. The tree can reach growth heights of up to five meters and prefers warm sandy soils that do not dry out. However, there are also trees that grow only 1.50 meters tall. Mirabelles can be grown in smaller gardens because of their fairly small size. The trees are known for often bearing abundant fruit. Mirabelle plums are harvested by shaking the tree from which the fruit hangs.
Importance for health
Mirabelle is not only one of the sweetest and most popular garden fruits, but it is also very healthy. Mirabelle is primarily characterized by the high content of potassium, which has a draining effect and promotes digestion. This is the main reason why the fruit is so popular, especially among celebrities and power athletes. They eat it just before a date in public or before competitions, as water is removed from the body, making the silhouette appear narrower and the muscles have clearer contours and look more defined. Potassium is also important for a well-functioning heart and good nerves. Furthermore, the mirabelle contains a lot of vitamin C.
This strengthens the immune system and especially in winter colds can be prevented or alleviated. Mirabelle plums are also good for the metabolism. The vitamin C is also involved in the formation of connective tissue.
Ingredients and nutritional values
The most important ingredients of mirabelle include a lot of potassium, magnesium, phosphorus, iron, zinc, pectin, as well as vitamins. For the sweet taste, the contained fructose is responsible. Furthermore, mirabelle plums are rich in beta-carotene, which is the precursor of vitamin A, vitamin C and various B vitamins. Since the mirabelle contains little acid, it is also well tolerated by people with a sensitive stomach. In addition, mirabelle contains proteins, fiber and carbohydrates.
Intolerances and allergies
If you like to eat the mirabelle, do not miss the peak season from July to August, because it is important to buy well ripened fruit. Otherwise, if the fruit is not ripe, it may not be tolerated, causing abdominal cramps and diarrhea. In addition, people who suffer from fructose intolerance may experience bloating and flatulence after eating them. Sometimes, cramping abdominal pain and diarrhea may even occur.
Shopping and kitchen tips
When purchasing mirabelle plum, care should be taken to select well ripened fruit of a high quality. This is usually the case in the market. The skin of the fruit should not be damaged and the flesh is as elastic-soft as possible. Very hard harvested mirabelles either do not soften at all or they do not have a good aroma.Since they hardly ripen, an optimal degree of ripeness is very important. However, as the very sensitive fruits spoil quickly, overripe mirabelles should not be purchased. Until consumption, it is advisable to store them in the refrigerator for a maximum of two to three days. However, it is also possible to freeze them. For this purpose, after washing, they are placed in a bag, which is tightly closed. These fruits should be consumed within a year. In terms of preparation, there is not much to do: they are washed and after draining or gently dabbing dry, they can be consumed or further processed. If the mirabelle is to be cooked or baked, it must first be halved and pitted, which is very easy to do with the fruit. It should not be cleaned until it is consumed, otherwise the protective waxy layer of the mirabelle will be destroyed.
Preparation tips
Ripe mirabelle plums are naturally suitable for immediate consumption raw. Together with vanilla, honey and almonds, a very special taste experience is created. But the mirabelle also offers many other possibilities of use. It is often used to make liqueurs or fruit brandies, because the sweet aroma of the mirabelle develops particularly well. Due to the sweetness and the good solubility of the stones in the fruit, they are also very popular as the last fruit and as the top layer in a rum pot or bottled with alcohol and aromatic spices. Furthermore, the fruits are often used for preserving, for example to make jam. They also taste delicious as compote, fruit salad and juice. The high content of fructose is enough to give food or drinks the necessary sweetness. Cakes and pies with mirabelles are also classics, because the special aroma is also very good here. They are also very popular additions to picnics and breakfasts. Mirabelle plums can even be used well in spicy cuisine. Here are especially known oriental dishes, for example, fruits pickled in vinegar. Carrots and zucchini also harmonize optimally with the fruit. For spicy dishes, it is recommended to use mirabelles harvested early. No matter what dish is conjured up, sweet and savory delicacies are created with the juicy mirabelle in any case.
