Prunus domestica Quetsche d'Alsace - Organic Common plum

The  Organic 'Quetsche d'Alsace' Plum Tree is a self-fertile variety specific to the Alsace and Lorraine regions. Very productive and robust, this variety produces elongated fruits that ripen in early September. The skin is thin, reddish-purple, covered with a whitish wax called bloom. The flesh is green-yellow, firm, not very juicy, and slightly acidic, with the characteristic aroma of quetsches. While they can be enjoyed fresh, they are even better when dried. They keep very well after harvest.

The word Quetsche means, in Alsatian, Damson Plum. Quetsche plum trees originated from Syria, a country that has supplied many varieties of plums since the Middle Ages. The 'Quetsche d'Alsace' variety has been cultivated for a long time.
 

This fruit tree naturally grows up to 6m (20ft) tall when fully grown. The slender and bushy silhouette conferred by its upright-bushy habit is appreciated in the garden. It is only slightly demanding regarding soil type as long as there is no limestone.

Its leaves are oval, almost oblong, toothed and slightly downy.

The flowering occurs in April, which allows it to escape spring frosts. The tree is then completely covered with white flowers that appear on the previous year's branches. They are self-fertile, meaning the tree does not need to be near a different plum variety to bear fruit correctly. 

The fruits, quetsches, famous in eastern France, ripen in early September.

Intended for organic cultivation, the Organic 'Quetsche d'Alsace' Plum Tree will achieve better development under certain conditions. To prevent diseases and pests, you will need to:

- choose a deep, light, rich, and well-draining soil,
- avoid planting in an area that has previously hosted other woody plants,
- prune to promote air circulation around the tree,
- thin out to prevent the development of diseases on the fruits,
- add compost in limited quantities in autumn, depending on the richness of your soil, and plant grass around the base,
- install multi-species hedges (except for prunus), piles of stones and wood, and nest boxes (for birds, voles, and bats) to attract beneficial insects.
Removing and burning the affected parts will be necessary if a disease appears. The 'Quetsche d'Alsace' Plum Tree is susceptible to rust and monilia. Treatments with fungicide in case of prolonged humidity will likely be necessary. Sensitive to summer heat (fruit drop before ripening), watering may be required in case of prolonged drought to prevent fruit loss or alteration of their taste.

Plums are consumed raw at the tree's base, in fruit salads, in desserts and pastries, and as accompaniments to meats and dishes. They can be transformed into jams, preserved fruits, compotes... They can also be used to make eau-de-vie. You can also dry them in the sun during summer, pitted and hung in a garland on a string or in the oven.