The zwetschge is a subspecies of the plum, which in turn is a cross between cherry plum and blackthorn. The fruits, which are actually rather purple in colour, are covered with a fine, easily removable layer of wax, which gives them a bluish appearance. The flesh is yellow, the single stone is easily detached.

Zwetschgen are important stone fruits in Germany and Central Europe. They are eaten fresh, processed into zwetschgendatschi tart and as dried fruits. They are also used to make fruit wine and fruit brandy. Schmootsch is a kind of jam made from zwetschgen and is often seasoned with aniseed, cinnamon and cloves. If you add black walnuts during cooking, you get an almost black jam. Schmootsch is used as a spread, but can also be used to thicken dark sauces and is a popular filling for Berliner (doughnuts).

The variety ‘Elena’ is a relatively young cross between ‘Fellenberg’ and ‘Stanley’. The leaves are smooth and shiny, the fruits are large and sweet. They are best suited as table fruit and for tarts.

• Edible Fruits
• Type of Fruit Freestone Drupe
• Culinary Group Stone Fruits
• Taste sweet sour
• Trivial Names Zwetschge, Zwetschke, Zwetsche, Quetsche, Prunier de Damas
• Size (fruit) 6 cm
• Taxonomy Rosaceae (rose family) Prunus domestica subsp. domestica 'Elena'; 'Fellenberg’ × ‘Stanley’
• Origin Near East (Map)
• Locality Palmengarten Frankfurt (FRP) 2019