Editing Mirabelle plum (section)

==Mirabelle de Lorraine==

The mirabelle is a speciality of the [[France|French]] region of [[Lorraine]], which has an ideal climate and soil composition for the cultivation of this fruit. This region produces 15,000 tons of mirabelle plums annually, which constitutes 80% of global commercial production.{{cn|date=August 2024}}

There are two main [[cultivar]]s grown for fruit production, derived from cherry plums grown in [[Nancy, France|Nancy]] and [[Metz]]. The Metz type is smaller, less hard, and less sweet, and has no small red spots on the skin. It is very good for jam, while the Nancy type is better as fresh fruit as it is sweeter.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Pierre |date=2022-08-23 |title=Mirabelle of Lorraine: A Delicious Golden Plum |url=https://frenchmoments.eu/mirabelle-of-lorraine/ |access-date=2023-10-31 |website=French Moments |language=en-US}}</ref>

Since 1996 the ''mirabelle de Lorraine'' has been recognized and promoted by the EU as a high-quality regional product, with a [[Geographical indications and traditional specialities in the European Union|Protected Geographical Indication]] (PGI). This label guarantees a minimum fruit size (22&nbsp;mm) and sugar content, and can only be used in a specific geographical zone of production.{{cn|date=August 2024}}

The city of [[Metz]] dedicates two weeks to the Mirabelle plum during the popular Mirabelle Festival held in August. During the festival, in addition to open markets selling fresh prunes, mirabelle tarts, and mirabelle liquor, there is live music, fireworks, parties, art exhibits, a parade with floral floats and competition, and the crowning of the Mirabelle Queen and a gala of celebration.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Mirabelle season in Lorraine |url=https://www.tourism-lorraine.com/inspiration/mirabelle-season-in-lorraine/ |access-date=2023-10-31 |website=Lorraine Tourisme |language=en-US}}</ref>