Prunus domestica Altesse Simple - Common plum

Prunus domestica 'Altesse Simple' is an old variety of damson plum. It is vigorous, hardy, and very productive, with rapid fruiting. It is a self-fertile variety that pollinates well, with self-pollinating flowers. It produces small to medium-sized plums (3 to 5cm (1 to 2in) long and 2.5 to 3cm (1in) in diameter). They are ovoid or elongated in shape, with smooth and pruinose, dark purple skin. Its greenish-yellow flesh is firm, slightly juicy, sweet, and delicately acidic. The stone easily separates from the pulp. Harvesting takes place from late August to mid-September, and the fruits are consumed as they ripen. The plum is pleasant to eat fresh or dried. When cooked, it lends itself well to many sweet or savoury recipes. It is sensitive to spring frosts and prefers a warm, sunny, and sheltered exposure.

Prunus domestica belongs to the Rosaceae family, just like the apricot tree, almond tree, and peach tree. It is native to Syria, where it sometimes grows up to 1000m (3281ft) in altitude. The word "quetsche" comes from the German name Zwetsche, which itself derives from the Greek word "damaskênon," meaning "Damascus plum." This variety has somewhat unknown origins, and there are many subtypes of it.

'Altesse Simple' forms a fairly upright framework that can reach a height of 5 to 6m (16 to 20ft), producing multiple branches grouped in a spread-out crown. Its habit is ideal for free forms on high, half, or low stems. Its deciduous foliage consists of obovate leaves, 5 to 7cm (2 to 3in) long, with crenate and dentate edges. The dark green leaves are slightly pubescent on the underside. In late March or early April, the white flowers, 1.5 to 2.5cm (1in) in diameter, appear on the previous year's branches before the leaves. The flowering is sensitive to spring frosts, but it is so abundant that frost rarely affects the crops. It is a remarkably decorative flowering in spring, and particularly attractive to bees and nectar-feeding insects. It is hardy down to -20°C (-4°F). This variety is self-fertile, so it does not need a companion to bear fruit, but the presence of another variety of plum tree nearby will increase production.

'Altesse Simple' plums are quite fragile, so they are harvested using a picking pole or manually with a ladder. On average, a plum tree produces between 25 and 50kg of fruit per year. The fruits are consumed as soon as they are harvested. Plums can be eaten raw, mixed in fruit salads, or as a dessert. They are also exquisite in cakes, crumbles, and pies, and as an accompaniment to savoury dishes with white meats (turkey, chicken, veal, etc.) or tagines. They are perfect for making jams, compotes, and juices, or preserved in syrup. Additionally, 'Altesse Simple' plums can be enjoyed dried. 

Plums are a light and balancing fruit. Low in calories, they are rich in potassium, calcium, and magnesium, with a significant iron content. Their content of vitamins C, B, E, and K, phenolic antioxidants, and fibres make plums a health asset. The fruits can only be stored for a few days at room temperature. However, they can be frozen once washed, dried, and pitted, or preserved as jams or in syrup.

In the Plum Trees - Mirabelles category, Prunus domestica 'Altesse Simple' is a variety known for its fertility, vigour, and the gustatory quality of its fruits. In favourable conditions, it is easy to grow, generous in fruit, and resistant to diseases. Like many fruit trees, it likes rich, deep, and well-drained soils. It prefers an exposure to full sun, sheltered from cold winds to protect it from frost and strong winds, as the branches are very brittle.

Plum trees are some of the most popular fruit trees for our gardens. There is such a wide range of plum trees that it is easy to find the right one for you.