How to distinguish mirabelles from other types of plums
Do you know if there is a definite way to tell the difference between mirabelle, bullaces (dark and light fruits?), damsons? Thanks, Connor.
Asked by: Connor from Diss, 14-Sep-2025
Hi Connor. Thanks for contacting us. There isn't one specific way to distinguish them, you need to consider several factors.
Mirabelles are usually yellow, and ripen in early August. They are spherical in shape and have a sweet taste.
Damsons are always dark blue and ripen usually a bit later, they tend to have an elongated shape and a sharp tangy flavour.
Bullaces can look a bit like mirabelles but ripen quite a bit later. Most of them are dark blue but some can be yellow. They have a strong astringent taste, quite different to mirabelles.
Mirabelles are also often confused with cherry plums. Cherry plums can be red or yellow and have a similar sweet flavour, but the main difference is that cherry plums ripen much earlier in the summer.