Prunus domestica Hauszwetsche - Common plum

The Prunus domestica Hauszwetsche, also known as Basel Plum, is an ancient variety that is vigorous, hardy and highly productive. It is a self-fertile variety that pollinates well. It produces small to medium-sized fruit (3 to 5 cm (1 to 2in) long and 2.5 to 3 cm (1in) in diameter), oblong in shape, with smooth and pruinose skin, dark blue-violet. Its extremely aromatic flesh is yellow to yellow-orange, firm, not very juicy, sweet and delicately acidic. The stone easily separates from the pulp. The harvest occurs from late August to late September, and the fruits can be consumed as they ripen. The plum is enjoyable to eat, fresh or dried. When cooked, it is a variety that lends itself well to many sweet or savoury recipes. Susceptible to spring frosts, this plum tree prefers a warm, sunny and sheltered exposure. 

The Prunus domestica (Common Plum) is a fruit tree belonging to the Rosaceae family, just like the apricot tree, almond tree and peach tree. It originates from Syria, where it sometimes grows up to 1000 metres (3281 feet) in altitude. The plum tree was introduced during the Middle Ages, and during the Renaissance, it developed and spread throughout the territory. The word "quetsche" comes from the German word Zwetsche, which itself is derived from the Greek word "damaskênon" meaning "Damascus plum". Traditionally cultivated in Lorraine (France), Germany and Austria, but without a doubt, the Quetsche finds its ideal soil in Alsace. The Hauszwetsche variety (Basel Plum) has somewhat unknown origins, but its main production region is in the Basel region in Northwestern Switzerland.

The Basel Plum forms a tree with a somewhat upright structure, reaching a height of 5 to 6 metres (16 to 20 feet), producing numerous branches grouped in a spreading crown. Its habit is suited to free forms on high, half or low stems. Its deciduous foliage comprises obovate leaves, 5 to 7 cm (2 to 3in) long, with serrated edges, slightly pubescent underneath, and dark green. Towards the end of March or the beginning of April, the white flowers, 1.5 to 2.5 cm (1in) in diameter, appear solitarily before the leaves on the previous year's branches. The flowering is sensitive to spring frost but so abundant that frost rarely affects the harvest. It is a remarkably decorative flowering in spring and is particularly attractive to bees and nectar-feeding insects. It is a hardy tree down to -20°C. This variety is self-fertile, so it does not need another variety of plum tree nearby to ensure good pollination of the flowers.

The Hauszwetsche Plum is a fertile variety that bears fruit quickly. Since plums are quite fragile, they are harvested using a picking pole or manually with a ladder, but always with delicacy. An average plum tree produces between 25 and 50 kilograms of fruit per year. Delicious and delightful, plums can be eaten fresh when picked, raw or mixed in a fruit salad or dessert. They are also enjoyed when dried. They are exquisite at making clafoutis, cakes, crumbles, or tarts and as an accompaniment to savoury dishes with white meats (turkey, chicken, veal, etc.) or tagines. They are also perfect for making jams, compotes, and juices or preserving them in syrup. The plum is a light and balanced fruit. Low in calories, it is rich in potassium, calcium and magnesium, with a significant iron content. Its vitamins C, B, E, and K, phenolic antioxidants, and fibre make the plum a health asset. It is refreshing, energising and rehydrating. The fruits can only be stored for a few days at room temperature. However, they can be frozen once washed, dried, pitted, or preserved in jams or syrup.

In the Plum Trees - Mirabelle category, the Prunus domestica Hauszwetsche is a vigorous, hardy, highly productive and very fertile variety known for the delicious quality of its fruits. Under favourable conditions, it is easy to grow, generous in fruit production and resistant to diseases. Like many fruit trees, it thrives in rich, deep and well-drained soils. It does not tolerate excess water, heavy and compacted soils, or excessively chalky soils. It prefers exposure to full sun and is sheltered from cold winds to protect it from frost and strong winds, as the branches are very brittle.

Very popular for its fruits, the plum tree finds its rightful place in the garden to the delight of young and old alike. With a wide range of varieties, it is easy to find the one that best suits one's desires.