The Lovable Enigma of Cherry Plums

Ah, the cherry plum - a humble delight that has graced our orchard with its presence for years. Not to be confused with the cherry-plum hybrid, we're discussing the Prunus cerasifera here. Known as a "mirabell" in some parts of Denmark (And the former danish parts of Sweden), it's a name that's ideally reserved for the Prunus domestica syriaca. Our small and juicy fruits, with their wild demeanor, lean more towards the cerasifera variety. Still, their lineage remains a bit of a mystery, thanks to their penchant for enthusiastic cross-breeding.

These tree's blooms come alive in spring, akin to cherry, apple, and other plum trees. Their flowers are an enchanting sight, adding a magical touch to our homestead. It's a floral fanfare that celebrates the promise of the delightful bounty to come.

As the late summer gives way to autumn, we find our trees laden with these juicy jewels. Sometimes, the branches are so heavy with fruit that they threaten to snap, a testament to the cherry plum's generous spirit.

Ronia and Bear find the fruits irresistible, munching them straight from the tree. Their sweet-tart flavor, unique to this variety, certainly has its charm. We, however, tend to find our cherry plums at their best when they're transformed into a delectable jam. Their texture is more akin to plums than cherries, meaty and substantial, making them a bit tricky to juice but perfect for a rich, homemade preserve.

Yes, our cherry plums may be a bit of an enigma, but they're an enigma we've come to cherish. From their uncertain lineage to their transformation from spring blossoms to autumnal fruits, every aspect of their existence on our farm is a celebration of nature's delightful unpredictability.