Methley or Metley Organic Japanese Plum - Prunus salicina

The Prunus salicina Methley, also known as Metley, is a vigorous variety of Japanese plum that ensures abundant and regular harvests. The plums are large, reaching 100 to 120 grams in size, heart-shaped, with a fairly thin skin and a deep purple-red colour. The amber-red flesh is firm, juicy, melting, delicately sweet and aromatic, with a small stone that separates easily from the pulp. The harvest takes place in the heart of summer and the fruits are well-suited for fresh consumption. In March, the flowering is particularly decorative, heralding the arrival of spring, and the flowers are attractive to insects. It is a self-fertile variety, capable of self-pollination. In full sun, it adapts well to ordinary, well-drained, fresh, deep and rich soil, but not overly chalky or with stagnant moisture.

The Prunus (x) salicina (Japanese plum) is a fruit tree belonging 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 at the edge of woods, along paths, or in sparsely wooded forests. It was imported to Japan between 200 to 400 years ago, and to the United States from 1870 onwards. In France, it is present in the Southwest, where it represents about 30% of the production. Methley is a hybrid variety originating from Japan, widely spread and very popular in the United States for fresh consumption.

The Methley Plum forms a fruit tree with a rounded framework that can reach approximately 5 meters (16 feet) in height, producing brownish-brown branches grouped in spreading crowns. Its habit is well-suited for free forms on high, half or low stems. Its deciduous foliage consists of oblong leaves, 6 to 9 cm (2 to 4in) long and 3 to 5 cm (1 to 2in) wide, finely toothed, dark green. Towards the end of March, beginning of April, the white flowers, 1.5 to 2.5 cm (1in) in diameter, appear solitarily in very large numbers, before the leaves on the previous year's branches. The flowering can be sensitive to spring frosts, which is why it is preferable to reserve this variety for the South; and in other cases, in a sheltered position from the cold. It is a very abundant flowering, remarkably decorative in spring, and particularly attractive to bees and nectar-feeding insects. It is a hardy tree, resistant to temperatures down to -15°C (5°F). This variety is self-fertile, so it does not need a companion to bear fruit, but the presence of another variety of Japanese plum nearby will increase production.

The Prunus salicina Methley is a fertile variety, with rapid fruiting. The fruits are harvested from early July to mid-August, and they can be consumed as they ripen. Since plums are quite fragile, they are harvested with a picking pole or manually on a ladder, but always with delicacy. On average, a plum tree yields between 50 and 70 kilograms of fruit per year. With a large size, 5 to 6 cm (2in) in diameter, and a luscious and delicious flesh, the plums can be consumed fresh right after picking, as a snack, mixed in fruit salads, or as a dessert. They are also perfect for making jams, compotes, jellies, candied fruits, or preserved in syrup. In China, these Japanese varieties are used to make plum candies with renowned 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. Their content of vitamins C, B, E, and K, phenolic antioxidants, and fiber make plums a health asset. They are invigorating, energizing, and hydrating. 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 in jams or syrup.

In the Plum - Mirabelle category, the Prunus salicina Methley is a surprising variety in terms of productivity and extremely fleshy fruits, making it a choice variety for gardeners seeking performance. Under good conditions, it is easy to grow, generous in fruit production, and resistant to diseases. Extremely popular thanks to its fruits, the plum tree finds its rightful place in the garden for the pleasure of young and old alike. With a wide range of varieties, it is easy to find the one that best suits one's desires.