Mirabelle trees
Mirabelle trees are a type of plum, and mirabelles are a common sight in French markets in August. The fruit is very small, the size of large cherries, and typically either bright red or golden yellow. Mirabelles can be eaten fresh, but are primarily used for making jams and similar preserves, as well as fruit tarts. They are also the variety most often used in plum brandy and similar plum-based spirits.
Mirabelles are sometimes called French Cherry Plums, since most of them originate from France, but they are not true Cherry Plums (Prunus cerasifera). Instead they are usually classified as Prunus insititia, along with Damsons and Bullaces (although they are sweeter than these fruits), but are sometimes also classified as a variety of the common European Plum (Prunus domestica v. syriaca). Regardless of the classification, their culinary applications, fruit appearance, hardiness, and usefulness for fruiting hedges as well as free-standing trees means they have much in common with both Damsons and Cherry Plums.
Although originating in the Middle East before being brought to France in the Middle Ages, Mirabelle trees are hardy and grow well throughout Europe. Like the other minor plum species, they have good disease resistance. Mirabelles will cross-pollinate with most early-flowering plums and damsons.
(USA soon)