Agen Prunes

In France, countless culinary specialties have put their cities on the map. Think of Dijon with its famous mustard, Bayonne with its delicious ham, or Montélimar with its comforting nougat. There are plenty more, but our focus today is Agen and its delectable prunes. You've probably tasted them before, but do you know why this humble fruit became one of the stars of southern France? The prune actually came all the way from China via the Silk Road and found its home along the Mediterranean coast back in ancient times, thanks to Greek and Roman ancestors. They had already mastered the drying technique, and doctors were praising this fruit for its dietary, nutritional, and medicinal benefits. While several varieties were planted during the Roman era, the Benedictine monks at Clairac Abbey came up with the idea of grafting local plum trees with others they brought back from Syria during the Third Crusade in the 12th century. Large in size, with its beautiful blue-purple color and delicate aromas, this new variety marked the birth of the Agen prune,and it has been cherished across generations ever since. During the last weekend of August, this culinary treasure is celebrated right here during the Fêtes d’Agen, once known as the Grand Pruneau Show, featuring a gourmet market, entertaining shows, and plenty of delicious tastings.