The 2024 Mirabelles de Lorraine plum season officially kicked off on July 31, with an anticipated yield of around 6,000 tonnes, surpassing the annual average of 5,000 tonnes. "It's shaping up to be an exceptional season, and we expect it to be a long one! The consistent rainfall over recent months has allowed the Mirabelle de Lorraine to achieve the size required for PGI certification, exceeding 22 millimeters," says Quentin Hoffmann, President of the Association des Mirabelles de Lorraine.
The harvesting of Mirabelles de Lorraine, meticulously done by hand to preserve the delicate nature of this small golden fruit, is a major summer tradition in Lorraine. Over 2,000 seasonal workers, mainly local residents and students seeking summer jobs, assist the 150 association producers in gathering the 6,000 tonnes of fruit expected from the 250,000 Mirabelle plum trees spread across 1,000 hectares of orchards. Lorraine accounts for 70% of the world's Mirabelle plum production.
This beloved summer fruit, a regional emblem often likened to a sweet, is cherished fresh, in tarts, or as jams. The cultivation of Mirabelles de Lorraine continues to expand, with production areas increasing and orchards being rejuvenated, often passed down through generations.
For more information:
Quentin Hoffmann
Association Mirabelles de Lorraine