Arrived from China via the Silk Road, the prune is a fruit known since ancient times for its important nutritional and medical qualities. Rich in fibre, minerals and vitamins, the "Agen" prune has been the pride and joy of the city since the 12th century. Let's take a look back at the history and qualities of this flagship product of our gastronomy!
Since antiquity, the prune has been known for its incredible virtues and its astonishing capacity for preservation. Dried, it is much consumed in years of poor harvests and is very practical for long caravan or sea trips. Under the impulse of the Romans, this dish of Chinese origin quickly established itself throughout the Mediterranean basin.
In France, the first plum trees were planted in the region known as the "Narbonnaise", an area stretching from Quercy to the gates of Agen. However, it was not until the 12th century that this city definitively linked its history to that of plums at a time when, on their return from the Crusades, the monks of the Benedictine Abbey of Clairvaux decided to graft plants from those they had discovered in Syria onto the local plum trees. This mixture is a real success!
Perfectly adapted to the climate of the South-West and the drying conditions adopted there, the resulting prune has incredible aromas and a delicate flavour. Transported from Agen and stamped with the name of their port of origin, they were gradually known as "Agen prunes. »
Easy to transport and preserve, and reputed to be particularly energetic, the Agen prune has been present in the supply bags of all French sailors since the 17th century. As a provision for long trips, this emblematic delicacy has made more than one circumnavigation of the world! Appreciated for its taste and nutritional qualities, sailors have even imported it to Brittany where it has since become an integral part of the famous Breton far recipe.
Easy to work with in the kitchen, the Agen prune can be incorporated into sweet as well as savoury recipes. Responding to the requirements of a healthy and balanced cuisine, it can be combined with traditional dishes such as rabbit, filet mignon or veal stir-fry but can also be eaten as compote.
As far as we are concerned, our favourite option is the marvellous prune tart which can be tasted in all the good bakeries of Agen!
To test the prune tart recipe.
For the past 15 years, the town of Agen has organized the Pruneau Show, a traditional summer festival which, in 2023, will become a major festival featuring concerts, tastings and parades. Rendez-vous on August 25, 26 and 27 to hear (among others) of Martin Solveig and Charlie Winston.
Bérengère for Comme des Français.
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