By Charles Piedboeuf • July 29, 2025 • 8 min read
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Mirabelle: a regional love story
It's impossible to talk about Lorraine without mentioning the mirabelle plum, that little golden fruit that brightens up markets and tables at the end of summer. The Mirabelle region isn't just a geographical area: it's a concentration of traditions, know-how, innovation, and generosity. Between orchards as far as the eye can see, popular festivals, and family recipes, here, the mirabelle plum isn't just a fruit, it's a shared source of pride!
It's no coincidence that Lorraine alone provides more than 80% of the world's mirabelle plum production. Villages stretch along the Moselle River and the clay hillsides of Meurthe-et-Moselle, Meuse, Vosges, and Moselle, enjoying a climate that alternates between summer heat and cool nights. This unique microclimate gives the mirabelle plum a sweetness, a golden color, and inimitable aromas, often copied but never equaled. Whether you're a fan of fresh fruit, homemade jams, or flambéed desserts, the Mirabelle region welcomes you!
The best services around Mirabelle
The Mirabelle plum region is about more than just tasting. Here, everything is designed to ensure you have a sensory, gourmet, and friendly experience. Here are some ideas for services and activities to make the most of the Mirabelle plum this summer:
- Pick your own orchard: Many orchardists open their orchards to families and groups of friends. You can pick your own kilos of mirabelle plums, taste them on the spot, and take home your harvest. A thrill guaranteed, and the price is often unbeatable! ( Mirabelle plum packages delivered!)
- Cooking workshops: Take part in workshops to learn how to make real mirabelle plum tarts, jams, or even sweet and savory chutney to accompany your grilled food (discover the barbecue & grill collection for summer!).
- Guided tastings: Wines, eaux-de-vie, biscuits, ice creams... Local artisans are happy to share their expertise. You can organize a gourmet tour combining orchards and distilleries, perfect for discovering all the facets of the mirabelle plum.
- Markets and popular festivals: The Mirabelle Plum Festival in Metz, a must-see, attracts thousands of curious visitors every year. Parades, entertainment, producer stands, brass bands and pie-eating competitions punctuate the end of August. A real moment of sharing to experience at least once! ( read the history of the festival ).
- Fresh Fruit Delivery: If you're not in town, don't panic. Every summer, producers offer delivery of fresh mirabelle plums and gourmet baskets throughout France. It's a great way to prolong the pleasure or offer a little Lorraine sunshine to your loved ones!
These services are aimed at both tourists and locals. To extend summer at home, also consider investing in good utensils: the best air fryers or smoothie blenders work wonders with mirabelle plums!
Tips for enjoying mirabelle plums in all their forms
Mirabelle plums are much more than just a fruit to eat! Here are some tips from the region to twist your recipes and make the most of this little gem:
- Smoothies & Fresh Juices 🥗: Blend pitted mirabelle plums with a little lemon and mint. Add a few ice cubes for an ultra-refreshing smoothie, perfect after a stroll in the orchard.
- Quick Tart: No time to make homemade pastry? Use store-bought shortcrust pastry, fill with halved mirabelle plums, sprinkle with a dusting of sugar, and bake. Amazing results, even for beginners!
- Roasted Mirabelle Plums: Toss a few mirabelle plums in a pan with a little butter and honey. Serve them over vanilla ice cream or as a side dish with duck breast; it's the sweet and savory twist that makes all the difference.
- Homemade jams: A timeless staple. Tip: Add a hint of vanilla or cinnamon to enhance the flavors, or even a dash of rum. Spread them on without moderation!
- Easy freezing: To enjoy mirabelle plums out of season, freeze them pitted and flat. They will retain their flavor and texture for your winter desserts.
Bonus tip: To enhance a barbecue, prepare a mirabelle plum-onion-ginger chutney, or slip some fruit onto the grill at the very end of cooking for a lightly caramelized quick dessert. 🔥
Budget, harvest and local tips
Are you wondering how much mirabelle plums really cost in the region? It all depends on the time of year, the harvest method, and the weather. In peak season (mid-August to mid-September), expect to pay between €3 and €6/kg at the Lorraine markets, with even lower prices when picking them directly from the producer. Online baskets ( 5kg packages ) are also very competitive, especially for families or fans of homemade jams.
Some tips for saving money:
- Favor end-of-market sales to negotiate unsold items.
- Share a package or crate with neighbors: you reduce the cost per kilo, and everyone benefits!
- Take advantage of local events : some festivals offer free or discounted handouts to encourage discovery.
When it comes to equipment, there's no need to break the bank. A good blender ( see selection ) and a hob are enough to prepare most recipes. If you want to try distilling or making great jams, consider borrowing or sharing equipment with your neighbors!
Frequently asked questions about the Mirabelle region
Where to find the best mirabelles in Lorraine?
The orchards around Nancy, Metz, Épinal, and Pagny-sur-Moselle are renowned for the quality of their produce. Choose PGI-certified farms or local farmers' markets for maximum freshness.
Does the Lorraine mirabelle plum taste different from other varieties?
Yes! Thanks to the Lorraine climate and soil, it contains more sugar and aromas than its cousins grown elsewhere. This is what has earned it its international success.
How to keep mirabelles fresh longer?
Refrigerate them without washing them, then consume them quickly. To extend the season, opt for freezing them or making jam!
Can we cook mirabelle plums in a savory version?
Absolutely! It goes wonderfully with white meats, duck breast, or can be added to a chutney to brighten up a cheese platter. Try it, you'll be surprised by the results.
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