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Mirabelle plum – properties, nutritional value and use in the kitchen

Mirabelle

Mirabelle plums are one of those fruits that many associate with childhood. The small, yellow fruit, ripening at the end of summer, could be found in home gardens, orchards, and along country roads. Today, the mirabelle plum is making a comeback not only for its distinctive, sweet-and-sour flavor, but also for its nutritional value and the presence of numerous valuable nutrients.

Although we most often refer to it simply as a mirabelle, it is actually a variety of plum (Prunus domestica subsp. Syriaca), a member of the plum family. The fruit can be eaten raw, made into homemade preserves, or made into natural juice, puree, or puree, especially after the season is over.

Contents

What is mirabelle plum?

Mirabelle is a small plum, which most often has yellow fruit with a delicate blush and juicy flesh with a characteristic, sweet flavor. Two varieties have been cultivated in Poland for many years: Nancy and Fleet.

As a variety plum trees home (Prunus domestica) thrives in our climate and doesn't require much cultivation. Depending on their degree of ripeness, mirabelle plums can be very tart or very sweet, so it's best to harvest them when they separate easily from the branches.

Nutritional values of mirabelle plums

Mirabelle plums are small fruits, but they provide many valuable nutrients. 100g of fresh fruit contains approximately 46-50 kcal, so it's hard to say that mirabelle plums are caloric. Most of the energy comes from natural sugars, such as glucose and fructose.

Fruits contain, among others:

  • Vitamin C,
  • vitamins from group B,
  • provitamin A (beta-carotene),
  • vitamin E,
  • phosphorus,
  • potassium,
  • magnesium,
  • calcium,
  • fiber and pectin.

It is thanks to this composition nutritional value of mirabelle plums make it a valuable element of a varied diet.

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  • Mirabelle plum juice

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Properties of mirabelle plums

The natural plant compounds found in the fruit are drawing the most attention from scientists. Mirabelle plum contains polyphenols, carotenoids and chlorogenic acid, which have antioxidant properties.

Natural antioxidants

The compounds present in mirabelle plums act as antioxidant, helping to protect cells from the effects free radicals and oxidative stress. Research indicates that a diet rich in fruits containing these types of ingredients may slow down the body's natural aging processes and support the proper functioning of cells.

Research is also underway on the role of compounds such as chlorogenic acid in protection. nervous system and their potential impact on processes related to neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer. At this stage, however, it is known that fruit can support a healthy diet but does not replace medical treatment.

Support for the digestive system

Mirabelle plum is a good source fiber and pectins. Thanks to this, it can support the proper functioning of the intestines and the entire body. digestive system. Additionally, the fruit contains natural sorbitol, which may have a beneficial effect on bowel regularity in some people.

Regularly eating fruit as part of a balanced diet can support proper digestion.

Support for the heart and immunity

Mirabelle also provides Vitamin C, which supports the proper functioning of the immune system. Polyphenols and other plant compounds present in fruits are the subject of research regarding their impact on cardiovascular health.

Although it cannot be said that mirabelle plum cures heart disease, its presence in the daily diet can support the proper functioning of the body.

How to choose ripe mirabelle plums?

The best fruits are those harvested in full season. mirabelle plum should:

  • have an intense yellow color,
  • be slightly soft under pressure,
  • have firm and juicy flesh,
  • give off a pleasant, fruity aroma.

Avoid fruit that is very hard, greenish or shows signs of mold or damage.

Mirabelle plums in the kitchen – fresh fruit and natural preserves

Most people associate mirabelle plum with home-made compote, but there are many more possibilities. Fruits are great as an ingredient in cakes, desserts, oatmeal, and meat sauces.

Mirabelles are also used to prepare:

  • jam,
  • jam,
  • mousse,
  • puree,
  • juice,
  • tincture.

When it's in season, it's definitely worth reaching for fresh fruit. Out of season, natural fruit is a good option. preserves prepared exclusively from fruit. This means you can enjoy the taste of mirabelle plums all year round.

In our press we prepare natural mirabelle plum juice, puree, and puree without unnecessary additives. It's a convenient alternative when fresh fruit is no longer available.

Mirabelle plum seeds and contraindications

When eating fruit, it is worth remembering one important rule. Stone Mirabelle plums, like the seeds of other stone fruits, contain amygdalin. The hard stone is not a problem, but it should not be chewed or eaten.

Mirabelle plum also contains natural sugars, therefore people suffering from diabetes should consume fruit in moderation, including it in their diet. This applies to both fresh fruit and homemade preserves prepared with added sugar.

It is also worth choosing fruit from orchards or proven crops, instead of picking them along busy roads.

Mirabelle plums – small, local and healthy

Although for many years mirabelle plum was a somewhat forgotten fruit, but today more and more people are rediscovering its taste and culinary possibilities. This small variety plums provides fiber, vitamins and valuable plant compounds, so it can be a valuable element of the daily diet.

It is best to use fresh fruit in season and choose high-quality ones outside of it. preserves, such as natural juice, puree, or mirabelle plum puree. This allows you to enjoy their distinctive flavor and benefit from their nutritional value all year round.

Sources

  1. Igwe EO, Charlton KE.
    A systematic review on the health effects of plums (Prunus domestica and Prunus salicina).
    Phytotherapy Research. 2016.
    https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1002/ptr.5581
  2. Liang N., Kitts DD.
    Role of Chlorogenic Acids in Controlling Oxidative and Inflammatory Stress Conditions.
    Nutrients. 2016.
    https://www.mdpi.com/2072-6643/8/1/16
  3. USDA Agricultural Research Service
    FoodData Central – Plums, raw
    https://fdc.nal.usda.gov/fdc-app.html#/food-search  password: Plums, raw.
  4. Stacewicz-Sapuntzakis M. et al.
    Chemical Composition and Potential Health Effects of Prunes: A Functional Food?
    Critical Reviews in Food Science and Nutrition.
    https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/11401245/
  5. Hribar U., Poklar Ulrih N.
    The Metabolism of Anthocyanins.
    Current Drug Metabolism. 2014;15(1):3–13.
    DOI: 10.2174/1389200214666131211160308
    https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/24329109/
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