Japanese Plum Allo Organic - Prunus salicina

Prunus x salicina 'Allo' is a vigorous, hardy variety that provides abundant and regular harvests. It produces a large-sized plum, reaching 100 to 120 grams in weight, with a rounded shape and thin skin. They are red, tinged with pink when ripe. Its orange-yellow flesh is firm, juicy, melting, delicately sweet and aromatic, with a small stone that separates easily from the pulp. Harvesting begins in early July. The fruits are suitable for fresh consumption and processing. The early flowering of this plum tree is perfect for mild regions or sheltered areas. This variety is partially self-fertile, and the presence of another flowering plum tree nearby at the same time will ensure good pollination. It thrives in ordinary, well-drained, moist, deep and fertile soil that is not excessively chalky. It does not like stagnant moisture.

Prunus x salicina (Japanese plum) belongs to the Rosaceae family, just like the apricot tree, almond tree, and peach tree. It is native to subtropical regions of southern China, where it grows on the edge of woods, along paths or in sparsely wooded areas. It was imported to Japan between 200 and 400 years ago, and then to the United States from 1870 onwards. 'Allo' is a hybrid variety of Japanese plum with somewhat uncertain origins.

'Allo' forms a fruit tree with a fairly rounded framework that can reach a final height of approximately 5 to 6m (16 to 20ft), producing brownish branches grouped in spreading crowns. Its habit is ideal for free forms on high, half, or low stems. Its deciduous foliage consists of dark green oblong leaves, 6 to 9cm (2 to 4in) long and 3 to 5cm (1 to 2in) wide, with finely toothed edges. In late March and early April, it produces white flowers, 1.5 to 2.5cm (1in) in diameter. They appear solitarily, before the leaves, on the previous year's branches. The flowering can be sensitive to spring frosts, which is why it is wise to grow it in mild regions. In other cases, it can be grown in positions sheltered from the cold. The abundant blooms are particularly attractive to bees and butterflies. It is a hardy tree, tolerating temperatures as low as -15°C (5°F). This plum tree is self-sterile, meaning the flowers cannot fertilise themselves. The presence of other plum varieties nearby, flowering at the same time, is necessary. For example, the 'Golden Reine Claude', 'Oullins Reine Claude', 'Quetsche d'Alsace', 'Quetsche d'Italie', 'Methley', 'Mirabelle de Metz', 'Mirabelle de Nancy', and 'Victoria' varieties are suitable for cross-pollination, thereby increasing fruit production.

Prunus x salicina 'Allo' bears fruit quickly. The plums are harvested from early July to early August, and can be consumed as they ripen. Since plums are quite delicate, they should be harvested with a picking pole or manually using a ladder, always with care. An average plum tree yields between 50 and 70 kilograms of fruit per year. The large plums measure 4 to 6cm (2in) in diameter. They boast smooth and delicious flesh. Plums can be eaten raw right after picking, as a snack or mixed into fruit salads, or as a dessert. They are also excellent for making clafoutis, cakes, crumbles, or pies, and as an accompaniment to savoury dishes with white meats (turkey, chicken, veal, etc.) or tagines. They are also perfect for making jams, compotes, or preserved fruits in syrup. In China, these Japanese varieties are used to make plum candies with reputed digestive properties.

Plums are a light and balancing fruit. Low in calories, they are rich in potassium, calcium, and magnesium, with a significant iron content. They contain vitamins C, B, E, and K, phenolic antioxidants, and fibre. They are invigorating, energising, and rehydrating. The fruits can only be stored for a few days at room temperature. However, they can be frozen after washing, drying, and pitting, or preserved in jams or syrup.

In the plum - Mirabelle category, Prunus salicina 'Allo' can be used in many ways. In favourable conditions it is easy to grow, generous in fruit production, and resistant to diseases. Extremely popular for its fruits, the plum tree finds its rightful place in the garden, bringing joy to both young and old. With a wide range of varieties, it is easy to find a plum that best suits one's preferences.