Organic Black Amber Japanese Plum - Prunus salicina

The Prunus salicina 'Black Amber' is a vigorous variety of Japanese plum that provides generous and consistent harvests. The plums are large, weighing between 100 and 120 grams, with a round shape and a fairly thin skin. They start off as a bluish-purple colour and turn black when ripe. The amber-yellow flesh is firm, juicy, tender, delicately sweet, and aromatic, with a small stone that easily separates from the pulp. Harvesting can begin in late July, and the fruits are suitable for both fresh consumption and processing. The semi-late flowering, around mid-April, is partially self-fertile, but having another flowering plum nearby at the same time will ensure good pollination. The tree thrives in full sun and prefers ordinary, well-drained, fresh, deep, and fertile soil that is not too chalky or waterlogged.

The Prunus (x) salicina (Japanese plum) is a fruit tree belonging to the Rosaceae family, along with apricot, almond, and peach trees. It is native to subtropical regions in southern China and grows on the edge of woods, along roadsides, or in sparsely wooded areas. It was imported to Japan between 200 and 400 years ago and to the United States from 1870 onwards. 'Black Amber' is a hybrid variety of Japanese plum selected by John H. Weinberger in 1980 in Fresno, California, USA, resulting from a crossbreeding between Prunus domestica 'Friar' and Prunus salicina 'Queen Rosa'.

The 'Black Amber' plum tree forms an upright fruit tree with a final height of approximately 5 meters (16 feet). It produces brownish-brown branches grouped in spreading crowns. Its habit is well-suited for free-form shapes on tall, half, or low stems. The deciduous foliage consists of oblong leaves, measuring 6 to 9 cm (2 to 4in) long and 3 to 5 cm (1 to 2in) wide, with fine toothed edges. The leaves are dark green. The white flowers, 1.5 to 2.5 cm (1in) in diameter, appear singly before the leaves on the previous year's branches around the end of March or beginning of April. The flowering can be sensitive to spring frosts, so it is preferable to reserve this variety for the southern and southwestern regions of France, such as the Loire Valley, or to provide it with shelter from the cold in other cases. The abundant and remarkably decorative spring flowering is highly attractive to bees and butterflies. The tree is hardy down to -15°C (5°F). This plum tree is self-sterile or self-incompatible, meaning the flowers cannot self-fertilize. Therefore, the presence of other plum varieties flowering at the same time nearby is necessary. For example, the varieties 'Mirabelle de Metz', 'Mirabelle de Nancy', 'Prune d'Ente', and 'Quetsche Stanley' are suitable for cross-pollination, which increases fruit production.

The 'Black Amber' plum tree is a fertile variety that bears fruit quickly. The fruits can be harvested from late July to late August, and they should be consumed as they ripen. The plums, which are quite delicate, should be harvested with a picking pole or by hand using a ladder, always with care. On average, one plum tree produces between 50 and 70 kilograms of fruit per year. The plums have a large diameter of 5 to 6 cm (2in) and have a creamy and delicious flesh. They can be eaten fresh from the tree, enjoyed raw, added to fruit salads, or used in desserts. They are also excellent for making clafoutis, cakes, crumbles, or pies and can be served alongside savory dishes such as white meat (turkey, chicken, veal, etc) or tagines. They are perfect for making jams, compotes, or preserved fruits in syrups. In China, these Japanese varieties are used to make plum candies known for their digestive properties.

Plums are light and balancing fruits. They are low in calories but rich in potassium, calcium, magnesium, and have a significant iron content. They also contain vitamins C, B, E, and K, phenolic antioxidants, and fiber, making them a healthy choice. Plums have tonic, energizing, and rehydrating properties. The fruits can only be stored for a few days at room temperature. However, they can be frozen after being washed, dried, and pitted, or preserved as jams or in syrup.

In the plum and mirabelle plum category, the Prunus salicina 'Black Amber' is an extremely versatile variety in terms of culinary uses, and its high productivity is a valuable asset for gardeners seeking performance. Under favorable conditions, it is easy to cultivate, generous in fruit production, and resistant to diseases. Thanks to its fruits, the plum tree is extremely popular and has a place in every garden, delighting both young and old. With a wide range of varieties available, it is easy to find the one that best suits individual preferences.