Prunus domestica Reine Claude de Chambourcy - Common plum

The Reine Claude de Chambourcy Plum is a late, vigorous, and productive variety. It is known for its medium-sized, round, slightly chalky fruits in a lovely golden green colour tinged with carmine red. Their green flesh is juicy, sweet, and flavourful. Harvesting takes place from late September to October. The Reine Claude de Chambourcy Plum is self-fertile. It is sensitive to cold weather. It is not recommended for cultivation in the north, unless in a sunny and wind-protected position.

The original area of plum trees is believed to be Syria, not China. During the time of Roman hegemony in the region, various local fruits including the plum were introduced to Rome. The Reine Claude de Chambourcy Plum was discovered around 1840 in Chambourcy, in the garden of a Mr Bourgeois. It is loved for its late character and the excellent quality of its fruits.

This fruit tree naturally grows up to 7m (23ft) tall at maturity. Its naturally erect silhouette is appreciated, and when pruned well, it will be easy to harvest. It thrives in full sun or light shade and grows in any type of rich, moist, deep, or even heavy soil, but without limestone.
Its leaves are ovate, almost oblong, toothed and slightly hairy.
Flowering occurs in mid-March. The tree is then fully covered with white flowers that appear on the previous year's branches. They are self-fertile. This variety is a very good pollinator.

Plums are consumed raw at the foot of the tree, in fruit salads, but also in desserts and pastries, as accompaniments to meats and dishes. They are transformed into jams, canned fruits, compotes... They are also used to make eau-de-vie.