Mirabelle
Mirabelles are one of the 2000 types of plums. They are the smallest of their family and nowadays thrive in central and southern Europe, among other places. Mirabelle plums have a digestive and draining effect. Due to their high fructose content, they are well suited for the production of spirits.
Worth knowing about plums
Mirabelles belong to the rose family. The spherical yellow fruit is a subspecies of plum. In total there are about 2000 types of plums. The Mirabelle is one of the smallest. They are only slightly larger than cherries and belong to the drupes. Its core is easily detached from the pulp. This has a green-yellow to orange-yellow color. Mirabelles taste very aromatic and sweet.
The small yellow plum originally comes from Asia Minor and northern Persia. From there she made her way to Europe. Today it is cultivated in large quantities in Central and Southern Europe. The main growing areas are Lorraine, Mainfranken, Mittelrhein and the Palatinate. Mirabelle plums bloom from April to May. During this period, the tree is adorned with white flowers. Mirabelle trees reach heights of up to five meters.
Harvest time is from July to September. The trees are shaken vigorously to harvest. Mirabelle trees thrive best on sandy soil and prefer a lot of sun. Mirabelles contain a lot of fructose. That is why they are often used for the production of schnapps.
importance to health
Mirabelle plums provide a lot of potassium. The mineral has a strong draining effect. Mirabelle plums are therefore suitable as a dietary supplement and can have a detoxifying effect. Like all plum varieties, the fruits also have a digestive effect. They stimulate the gastrointestinal tract and can help with problems such as constipation . The pectin and cellulose contained also have a positive effect on the gastrointestinal tract.
The diuretic effect of the fruit can positively promote kidney activity . Eating mirabelle plums can provide relief from heartburn . The fruits also contain valuable vitamins from the B group. The body needs these vitamins for various metabolic processes. Contained vitamin C strengthens the body’s defenses. The trace element zinc in Mirabelle plums has a positive effect on skin , hair and nails.
Ingredients & nutritional values
With 230 milligrams per 100 grams, the fruit contains a relatively large amount of magnesium. Other minerals such as magnesium and phosphorus are also included. Mirabelle plums provide vitamins C, B1, B2, B6 and beta-carotene .
Calories and nutrients (per 100g) | ||
kilocalories/kilojoules | 64 kcal/ 269 kj | |
protein | 0,70 g | |
carbohydrates | 14,00 g | |
Fett | 0,20 g | |
Water | 82,40 g | |
fiber | 1,30 g | |
Vitamin E | 500 µg |
intolerances
Intolerances are hypersensitive reactions of the human body to certain allergens. An allergic reaction typically presents with itching , skin rashes, and difficulty breathing . Mirabelle plum allergen belongs to the stone fruit category.
If there is an existing intolerance to Mirabelle plums, the consumption of other varieties of this genus should also be restricted. This includes all types of plums and apricots. A cross-allergy to pome fruit such as apples and pears is possible.
Shopping and kitchen tips
When buying mirabelle plums, you should make sure that the fruit has an intact skin. In addition, the fruit should be a full yellow color.
Mirabelles are available freshly harvested in July, August and September. They are listed in the range of many supermarkets and are available for purchase from fruit vendors and markets. It is less advisable to buy already fully ripe fruit.
Mirabelles should be eaten as soon as possible after purchase, as they spoil very quickly. The fruit will only keep for two to three days in the refrigerator. In general, the yellow fruits should be stored in a cool place with high humidity.
Like other fruits, they should only be washed just before consumption. Washing destroys the valuable protective film on the fruit. This will spoil it faster. Mirabelles can be frozen or boiled down and therefore have a longer shelf life. For freezing, the fruit should first be halved and separated from the core.
preparation tips
Due to their high fructose content, mirabelle plums are particularly suitable for the production of liqueurs. These taste particularly good when they are refined with spices such as cinnamon or cloves . Furthermore, the plum fruits are well suited for processing into jam and jelly. Mirabelle puree can also be served with hearty dishes.
In Georgia, the typical sauce “Tkemali” is made from the yellow fruit. This is given a sharp sour taste with spices such as coriander , garlic and hot peppers. It goes well with potatoes and meat. Mirabelles are also good for making pastries, cakes and for decorating cakes. The small fruits are also suitable for raw consumption due to their sweet, aromatic taste.
Hello and welcome to my Health Guide & Encyclopedia! My name is Dorothy Farrar, and I'm the founder and main author of this platform.
My passion for health and wellness started at a young age when I became interested in the connection between the food we eat and the way we feel. This fascination led me to study nutrition and dietetics in college, where I learned about the importance of a balanced diet and the impact of various nutrients on the body.