What is Mirabelle Plum

by John Staughton (BASc, BFA) last updated -

A mirabelle plum is a small and delicious fruit that has a number of important health benefits but is difficult to find outside of Europe.

What is a Mirabelle Plum?

The mirabelle plum (also called a mirabelle prune – Prunus domestica subsp. syriaca Mirabelle) grows on trees of the Prunus genus and is thought to have originated from a wild-growing fruit in Anatolia, Turkey. The fruits themselves are small and oval in shape, as well as cherry-red or dark yellow in color when ripe. They have a richly sweet but tangy flavor. When not eaten as a fresh fruit, these red or yellow plums are most often used to make jams, preserves or wine. They are harvested from July through September. [1]

What many people don’t realize is that mirabelle plums are illegal in certain parts of the world. France has the monopoly on growing mirabelle plums, and just like champagne grapes, they have a designated point of origin. Due to trade agreements between France and the US, it is not allowed to ship fresh mirabelle plums to the United States. You’ll have to save the pleasure of eating these plums fresh when you take a trip to Europe.

Two wine glasses and a glass bottle placed over a bed of plums.

The fresh and sparkling taste of mirabelle plums. Photo Credit: Shutterstock

Mirabelle Plum Benefits

Due to their high levels of vitamin C, vitamin A, traces of potassium and antioxidants, mirabelle plums are considered to be a benefit to physical health in the following areas:

  • Assists the cardiovascular system by helping to reduce blood pressure.
  • Helps maintain a healthy metabolism and may aid in weight loss.
  • Can aid in memory retention due to antioxidant activity [2]
  • Provides anti-aging properties to the skin, and may reduce the appearance of wrinkles and age spots.
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About the Author

John Staughton is a traveling writer, editor, publisher and photographer with English and Integrative Biology degrees from the University of Illinois in Champaign-Urbana (USA). He co-founded the literary journal, Sheriff Nottingham, and now serves as the Content Director for Stain’d Arts, a non-profit based in Denver, Colorado. On a perpetual journey towards the idea of home, he uses words to educate, inspire, uplift and evolve.

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