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Pruneaux d'Agen (Prunes)
The dried fruit of a variety of plum cultivated in the Aquitaine
The southern Lot area has been a grower of fruit in its orchards for centuries, and produce was traditionally exported from Agen because of its location of the Garonne river.
Its dried plums, or prunes, continue to provide a large part of the regional economy and are known as Prunes of Agen. Since 2002 the have been protected by an EU PGI - Protected Geographical Indication.
The harvest takes place between August 15 and September 20. The ripe fruits are collected by shaking the plum tree manually or with mechanical vibrators that are falling plums on large stretched canvas. Pickers also use large circular aprons draped in a machine collar around the tree.
The quality of prune depends largely on the maturity of the plum. Once picked the fruit is washed with fresh water and then dried naturally in the sun, or in some cases, industrially baked.
There is a good farm museum where you can learn all about their history and production.
