Pruneaux d'Agen

Agen prunes are the dried fruits of the prune d'Ente plum tree variety that is grown in the Aquitaine region of France, namely between the rivers of Lot and Garonne. Plums have been introduced to the region in the 13th century when a Crusader returning from Syria brought with him some pits and gave them to the local monks who began cultivating them, while Agen prunes have been produced since the 16th century and take their name from the riverside town which has been an important port for the transport of dried fruits throughout France and the rest of Europe.

These glossy, almost black, amber-fleshed prunes make for a great addition to foie gras, or stews and roasts made with pork, game or poultry, but they also go amazingly well with aged and blue cheeses, or they can be used for making compotes and various desserts.