MIRABELLE PLUM VARIATIONS
Mirabelle plums occur in several variations. Below you may find differences between certain variations.
NANCY MIRABELLE PLUM
Fruits of this variation reach the maximum weight of 25 g and they may be distinguished by a light flattening at their upper part. Their peel and pulp are of the same colour – golden yellow with orange flush and slightly whitish coating due to which those fruits may be associated with peaches. Nancy Mirabelle plum is very sweet but may be also sweet with a slightly sour flavor. The Nancy variation originates from France where it has been known since the half of 17th century. It is very popular in France and Germany, where it is used for the production of the high-quality alcohol. In Poland this variation is not planted on large areas but you can find it in some home and allotment gardens. The fruits are used for preserves, as a dried fruits and jams.
MIRABELLE PLUM OF ‘FLOTOWA’ VARIATION
Fruits of this varation are very light – they can reach weight up to 15 g. They are small and round and they may be characterized by a minor narrowing in their peduncle part. Their peel is yellow but at some points it may be also of a slightly pink colour. Their pulp, which is rather not juicy, is of a golden yellow colour and it is sour and sweet in taste. Pip may be easily removed. This variation is very popular in Austria, France or western part of Germany, in Poland it occurs mainly in the region of the Lower Silesia. It is ideal for jams, juices, as a heathy additive to yoghurts and for the direct consumption. It shall be noticed that this variation is very fragile and requires to observe special safety measures during its collection and transport.
BELLAMIRA MIRABELLE PLUM
This variation has been grown in Germany, in the Institute of fruit-growing in Geisenheim and it has been entered to the variation list in 1994. It is an aitchbone of the Nancy variation and the plum of the variation called Cacańska Najbolja. Its fruits are large and massive – their diameter is in the range of 30-32 mm and their weight is up to 22g. They are of a yellow colour with red spots and brown rim. Their pulp is of a golden colour, hard, juicy and may be easily separated from the pip. With respect to the fact that the fruits contain lots of sugars, they are used for the production of alcohol as well as a dessert fruit. They are also ideal for preserve purposes. This variarion is very resistant to damages and its fruits keep their freshness even up to four weeks after collection.
MIRAGRANDE MIRABELLE PLUM
It is also called the ‘mirabelle plum from Herrennausen’ – it is a variation that was made by a man. It was grown in the German Institute of fruit-growing in Geisenheim and entered into the list of variations in 1995. The characteristic feature of its fruits is their oval shape and colour – their peel is of a golden yellow colour and covered with red spots. The pulp is yellow and may be easily separated from the pip. The variation may be characterized by its large juciness and stron aroma. An average Miragrande mirabelle plum weighs ca. 20 g. Due to large contents of sugar it is used for the production of alcohol but also for preparing preserves and as dessert fruit. This variation may stay for a long time on trees and does not crack. It is strongly appreciated in the countries of Southern and Western Europe.
BRENNERGOLD MIRABELLE PLUM
It is one of the variations grown in Germany, in the Instutite of fruit-growing. It was created as an aitchbone of Nancy mirabelle plum and ‘Severen Cross’ variation. Its fruits are thus small but very aromatic. They are of a yellow colour and their pulp is juicy, very aromatic and extraordinarily sweet. Due to the large contents of sugar it is often used for the production of liquers and other types of alcohol. It is also ideal as a healthy additive to cakes and yoghurts, as well as for the purpose of various preserves. Brennergold Mirabelle plum was entered into the official variation list in Germany in 1991 and it gains large popularity in this country. It rarely occurs in Poland.