36. Mirabelle Ruby - Plum
Season : Flowering early in April ( so susceptible to frosts)
harvest September
Pollination : Self Fertile. Group C.
The Mirabelles in general may be classed as ‘cherry plums’ - some class them as damsons, and some as ‘european’ plums.
Whatever, The fruits of Mirabelle Ruby are bright red and very small.
The flesh is also bright red, and has a sweet, fragrant, peachy flavour.
Mirabelles are usually grown in France for use in cooking - obviously in Tarte aux Mirabelles but they are also the main raw ingredient in plum brandy. Mirabelle Ruby is good for both these purposes but it is also sweet enough to eat straight off the tree.
Prunus cerasifera 'Ruby' (cherry plum) or Prunus institia Ruby (damson)
Or Prunus domestica v. Syriaca (common european plum)