Plum Caprane – AB

Description

Caprane Plum

The Caprane Plum, also known as the Yellow Oval or Aumont Plum, is a heritage variety native to the Landes and Lot-et-Garonne (40/47). This rustic and tasty plum is part of the rich fruit heritage of the South-West of France. Appreciated for generations for its good adaptation to global warming and its taste qualities, the Caprane plum is distinguished by its characteristic shape and juicy flesh which make it an exceptional fruit for connoisseurs.

Characteristics of the Caprane Plum

The Caprane Plum tree develops a tree with an erect and closed habit, endowed with a remarkable vigour that allows it to adapt to various environments. Its very late flowering, which usually occurs between March 25 and April 8, is characterized by particularly fragrant white flowers that perfume the garden in spring.

The medium-sized fruits have a very characteristic elongated oval shape, with pointed tips that constitute its visual signature. The epidermis is a beautiful orange color that turns reddish-orange under the effect of the sun, offering a very attractive appearance. The flesh, orange in colour, is fleshy, particularly juicy and very sweet with a hint of acidity that perfectly balances its flavour. The pit is free, i.e. it is easily detached from the flesh when fully ripe.

Cultivation and maintenance

The Caprane Plum tree stands out for its excellent hardiness and its ability to adapt to different types of soil, although it prefers well-drained land and sunny exposures. Its late flowering is a considerable advantage in areas prone to spring frosts, as it helps to avoid damage caused by the last cold of the season.

Although its self-fertility is not clearly established, it is recommended to plant it near other late-flowering plum varieties to ensure better pollination and, therefore, more abundant production. It goes particularly well with varieties such as the Queen Claude de Bavay Plum or the Quetsche d’Italie Plum.

Culinary Uses

The Caprane plum is versatile in the kitchen. Its juicy and sweet flesh makes it an excellent table fruit for fresh tasting, offering a taste experience sought after by lovers of traditional plums. It is also perfect for making jams where its sweet-tangy taste develops complex and tasty aromas that will delight your taste buds.

Its firm flesh and good resistance to cooking also make it a wise choice for pies, clafoutis and other pastry preparations. The harvest is generally carried out in two passes in the second half of July: first at the ends, then at the base of the branches, thus allowing the fruit to be picked at their perfect maturity.

History and heritage

The Caprane plum tree represents a precious element of the fruit heritage of the South-West of France. Its cultivation, maintained by generations of gardeners and farmers, testifies to the attachment of local populations to their fruit traditions. This variety is particularly well adapted to global warming, as evidenced by its presence in the documents of the Aquitaine Regional Plant Conservatory, which recommends it for its good adaptation to future climatic conditions.

By choosing to plant a Caprane Plum tree in your garden, you are contributing to the preservation of an old variety while offering you tasty fruits whose taste qualities and hardiness have proven themselves over decades.

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