Perdrigon facts for kids
The perdrigon (sometimes spelled "perdigon") is an old type of plum used for cooking. It comes from the south of France. It's a special kind of plum that's related to other plums like the British damson.
About the Perdrigon Plum
What Does the Perdrigon Plum Look Like?
The perdrigon plum tree blooms with flowers in late March. Its fruit is usually ready to pick in late August or early September. A gardener named Robert Hogg noticed that the plum's flowers are very delicate. They can be easily damaged by cold spring frosts. Because of this, the tree often needs to grow against a warm, south-east facing wall.
The fruit itself is small and oval-shaped. It has sweet, green flesh inside. The skin is purple and often has a powdery look. This skin can be a bit tough to eat. While the most common type is violet (purple), there are also records of red, white, and yellow perdrigon plums.
History and Uses of the Perdrigon Plum
This plum has been around for a long time! In 1726, a botanist named Richard Bradley wrote about it. He called it "a fine Plum" that could be eaten fresh or used in sweets. He even mentioned four different kinds.
The perdrigon plum is especially famous in the town of Brignoles, France. People there still grow it to dry. The dried plums are flat and golden. They are called pistoles because they look like an old coin called a pistole. People also use these plums to make fruit jams or preserves.
