Since the cooperative, Prayssica, and the Regional Conservatory relaunched the Datil plum, 10 of the cooperative’s producers (out of the 25 members) have been growing this fruit for the last three years. The variety was rediscovered 30 years ago when 4 trees were found in a hedgerow in the Lot valley.
This fruit has amazing qualities; the fruit tree gives yield as of the 3rd year (instead of the 5th or 6th), and it produces many fruits without needing much pruning, treatment or particular upkeep. The fruit is as good fresh as it is dried. The Datil plum also has excellent medical qualities as it is a good antioxidant and high in vitamins E and C, as well as rich in potassium.
Today, only 3 hectares of the Prayssica cooperative’s 230 hectares are in production, with a harvest reaching about 40 tons. The cooperative aims to produce 120 to 150 tons in the near future. “Steps to achieve a designation of origin label are underway, this production is currently unique in the world”, says Patrick Favretto, a Datil plum producer.