Updated: August 6, 2025 • Six minute read.
A terroir like no other 🌳
A small golden fruit par excellence, the Mirabelle de Lorraine has been growing since the 15th century on the sunny hillsides of the Meuse, Moselle, Meurthe-et-Moselle, and Vosges. This continental-influenced climate, alternating hot days and cool nights, favors the natural concentration of sugar and the famous golden skin. The tradition is so deep-rooted that the region still supplies 70% of French production today! For the record (a tasty one 😋), King René of Anjou is said to have introduced the first mirabelle plum trees to the region.
To dive deeper into this fruity epic, take a look at our complete file on 🍑 the Mirabelle de Lorraine or visit our producers ' page where we detail our commitments.
Mirabelle PGI: the specifications
Since 1996, the PGI “Mirabelles de Lorraine” label has protected this taste heritage. To obtain the famous blue-yellow label:
- ⬛ Authorized varieties : Mirabelle de Nancy & Mirabelle de Metz.
- 📏 Size : diameter ≥ 22 mm (10% max of fruits between 20-22 mm).
- 🎨 Color : index > 4 on the AREFE scale (slightly speckled golden yellow).
- 🍯 Sugar content : ≥ 16°Brix for fresh fruit, ≥ 15°Brix for processed fruit.
- 📍 Complete traceability : from the tree to the packaging, everything is done in Lorraine and each batch is tracked.
- 🌱 Environmentally friendly orchard : maximum density 400 trees/ha, rich clay-limestone soils and at least 60% grass cover between the rows.
The result: a juicy, fragrant, naturally sweet mirabelle plum with a light bloom (the thin white film that protects it). It's the Rolls Royce of clafoutis!
And what about non-PGI mirabelles?
In summer, you can find mirabelles from other French regions (or even Central Europe) that cannot claim PGI status. They remain quite tasty, but:
- 🌍 Origin : orchards outside the Lorraine zone, with variable terroirs and practices.
- 📜 Requirements : No common specifications; size and sugar content may fluctuate.
- 🚚 Logistics : sometimes longer journeys, therefore less mature on the tree.
- 💰 Price : often 10-20% cheaper, ideal for everyday compotes.
In short: the choice depends on the use and the budget. For a Sunday pie that's a hit, opt for the PGI; for a quick smoothie, the non-PGI will do the trick perfectly.
How to recognize them on the shelf?
🧐 Label : the full wording “Mirabelles de Lorraine – IGP” and the yellow-blue European logo must appear in the same place. 🏷️ Size & color : IGPs are more uniform and have a deep, almost golden yellow. 📦 Packaging : often in 500g – 1kg trays or 5kg trays, with a specific batch code. 👃 Nose & texture : intense floral fragrance and firm but melting flesh.
What impact in the kitchen 🍰?
The sugar concentration of PGI mirabelles means you don't need to add a lot of sugar to jams; they caramelize better in the oven and hold their shape in a pan. For an express jam , use 800g of pitted PGI mirabelles + 350g of sugar, cook for 10 minutes, and you're done! For a savory dish, deglaze a duck breast with a dash of balsamic vinegar and a handful of fresh mirabelles: a guaranteed sweet and savory explosion. Looking for more ideas? Check out our homemade mirabelle recipes .
Express FAQ
Is the mirabelle plum always yellow?
Yes, but the intensity varies. IGPs exhibit a uniform golden yellow, while others can tend towards pale yellow.
Can you freeze mirabelles?
Absolutely! Pit them, lay them flat, and then bag them. PGIs retain their texture better thanks to their sugar content.
Does PGI really change the taste?
The difference is subtle but real: more sugar, floral aromas and less watery flesh.
Why are they more expensive?
Sorting requirements, limited yields, traceability, and local labor all add up to a higher cost. But every bite is worth the investment 😉.
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