Updated: July 26, 2025 • 7 min read
The origins of the mirabelle plum 🌱
The Mirabelle plum, a small, golden plum, has its roots in Antiquity, but it was in the Middle Ages that it began to conquer Eastern Europe. According to Lorraine legend, it was a monk returning from Syria who, in the 12th century, planted the first pits near Metz. From this emerged a sweeter plum, with a thin skin and melting flesh, perfectly suited to the cool winters and sunny summers of Lorraine.
Until the 18th century, mirabelle plums grew wild in hedgerows. Lorraine farmers gathered them to enhance tarts and jams. It wasn't until the 19th century that amateur tree growing became more professional: the most productive branches were selected, rootstocks were developed, and the first dedicated orchards appeared. The "Mirabelle de Nancy" and "Mirabelle de Metz" varieties quickly became essential.
The Lorraine terroir 🍂
What makes the Lorraine Mirabelle plum so magical is its unique terroir: a skillful balance of climate, soil, and local expertise. Summers are hot and sunny, promoting the concentration of sugars, while cool nights allow for slow, aromatic ripening.
The clay-limestone soils of Saulnois, the schists and sandstones of Moselle, and the forests of the Meuse give each plot a specific minerality. Producers practice goblet pruning, leaf removal, and precise manual thinning to achieve uniform size and firm flesh. Harvesting, at the end of August, is done by hand to preserve the golden color and delicate skin.
The AOP Mirabelle de Lorraine appellation 🏅
The AOP (Protected Designation of Origin) label guarantees that the mirabelle plum is grown, harvested, and processed in a defined area, according to strict specifications. The "Mirabelle de Lorraine" area covers more than 20,000 hectares between Meurthe-et-Moselle, Moselle, Meuse, and a tip in Germany.
To display the AOP logo, the mirabelle plum must:
- Be derived from the “Mirabelle de Nancy” or “Mirabelle de Metz” varieties.
- Reach at least 12°Brix sugar at harvest.
- Have a minimum caliber of 22 mm.
- Undergo checks throughout the supply chain, from picking to shipping.
Consult the Wikipedia page to delve into the details of the specifications: Mirabelle de Lorraine (Wikipedia) .
Distinctions and comparisons ⚖️
The Mirabelle de Lorraine AOP is distinguished from other plums and mirabelles by:
- A perfectly balanced taste between sweetness and acidity, with floral notes.
- An intense golden yellow color, sometimes pinkish.
- Tender and juicy flesh, rarely floury.
- Complete traceability: each batch has a number allowing it to be traced back to the plot.
Valuation and revenue 🍽️
The versatility of mirabelle plums is incredible: tarts, jams, brandies, chutneys... They enhance both desserts and savory dishes. For an authentic tart, take a look at our dedicated recipe: Lorraine Mirabelle Plum Tart .
Want to receive them directly? Discover our 5 kg package to enjoy the fresh harvest until the end of August. To learn everything about mirabelle plums, browse our complete file: Everything you need to know about Mirabelle plums from Lorraine .
The final word 🌟
The Mirabelle de Lorraine AOP is much more than just a fruit: it's the reflection of an exceptional terroir, a living heritage, and ancestral know-how. With every bite, you'll experience the sunshine of Lorraine's orchards and the story of a fruit like no other. So, are you ready to (re)discover this golden treasure this summer? 🍑
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