Mirabelle de Nancy is the definitive mirabelle for French patisseries such as "Tarte aux Mirabelles".
This is a traditional old French variety, originating from the department of Lorraine - the countryside around the cities of Metz and Nancy is one of the main areas for mirabelle production.
The fruits are an attractive speckled yellow colour, and ripen in early September in southern England.
Mirabelles are primarily used in the kitchen although they can be eaten fresh too. The stone separates cleanly from the flesh, which makes it easier when preparing the fruit for cooking.
Next deliveries: December 2024 - February 2025
Mirabelle de Nancy is partially self-fertile. It will bear a reasonable crop on its own, but cropping is improved if a different mirabelle variety is planted nearby.
Mirabelle de Nancy flowers prolifically over a long period, making it a good pollination partner for many other European plum and damson varieties.
Whilst the tree is hardy and will grow happily in most parts of the UK, for reliable cropping it is best planted in a sheltered south-facing spot with maximum sunlight.
This mirabelle was known in France in the 18th centry and probably originated much earlier. There is no specific "cultivar" of Mirabelle de Nancy, and it is perhaps better considered as a population of closely-related and interbred varieties with common characteristics, originating from the area around Nancy in north-east France.
This variety description was researched and written by Orange Pippin staff. Last checked: 2024.