What is the difference between plums and damsons?
Plums and damsons are drupes or stone fruits and both are purplish-blue in colour; one tends to be more round, and the other more oval but, on the whole, they are very similar. So how exactly can you tell the difference between them, and which of the two fruits is best suited to baking?
What is damson plum jam?
Damson plum jam is generally made by stewing chopped damson plums. A damson plum is the fruit of the damson tree, which is indigenous to the Middle East and Eastern Europe but is also grown in Western Europe, Great Britain, and the US. These plums are usually oval in shape and have a dark purple skin.
What is a damson fruit tree?
The strong similarities between wild and domestic trees, and between the descriptions of ancient writers and observations today make this fruit tree noted for its remarkable consistency. The Damson is often grouped with the European plums, but botanists classify it as a separate species. It may be an ancestor of the European plum.
When do damson plums bloom?
Damson Plums bloom in the late spring and offer not only a delicious fruit but also beautiful showy white clusters that cover the tree. Because they bloom in late spring, they are less likely to be damaged by frost. Also, once you plant a Damson Plum tree, you can expect a fruitful harvest in 2-4 years.
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What's the difference between a damson and a plum?
Let's start with the basics: first and foremost, plums tend to be predominantly round, whereas damsons are characterised by an oblong-oval shape. But an even more obvious differentiating feature is that plums have a pronounced, grooved longitudinal seam, whereas the same seam on damsons is far more difficult to see.
Can you eat damson plum?
You technically can eat a Damson plum straight from the tree, but Damson Plums are not recommended for fresh eating. Oftentimes Damson Plums have a sweet and sour flavor and can not be the most pleasant plum to eat straight from the tree. Damson plums are best when used in baking or combined to create a jam or jelly.
Is a damson plum a prune plum?
Shropshire Prune (also known as Prune Damson) is one to choose for neat, compact growth, or you could look for a tree grown on Pixy rootstock to restrict growth to 8-10 feet (2.4-3m). Damsons are self-fertile, so you don't need to plant more than one.
Are Damson plums purple?
Damson Plum Tree Information What do Damson plums look like? The small clingstone prunes are dark purple black with firm green or golden yellow flesh. The trees display an attractive, rounded shape. The ovoid green leaves are finely toothed along the edges.
What are damsons good for?
The most important health benefits of damson plums include their ability to improve the digestive system, lower cholesterol, protect against heart disease, strengthen bones, increase energy, optimize sleeping patterns, decrease your risk of certain types of cancer, and boost the immune system.
Are damsons poisonous?
Fortunately, all of the fruit of these is edible. They often hybridise and are difficult to tell apart when this happens. Use as a food The fruit can be eaten raw when fully ripe, but can be quite acidic. It can be used to make Damson liqueurs.
Can you eat damsons straight from the tree?
It's true that, because of their tartness, you're unlikely to want to eat damsons straight off the tree, but we get a good harvest every August unless the blossom was damaged by a particularly bad late frost, the trees survive with barely any maintenance and, as well as making delicious preserves and pies, damsons can ...
How do you eat damsons?
Stewed damson plums can be eaten at all times of the day. Enjoy them as part of your breakfast alongside a warm cereal or French toast; serve on the side with roast pork or ham. And, of course, top with whipped cream and savor at the end of the meal for dessert.
Are all damsons edible?
They could be confused with other members of the Plum family for example Sloes or Bullaces. But they are all safe to eat. The exact origins of Damsons is unknown, some botanists believe that Damsons, Plums, Greengages and Bullaces are all hybrids of the Sloe bush.
What does a damson taste like?
A small fruit with vibrant dark blue skin and a strong, sour flavour, damsons are similar to plums and a member of the rose family. They have a large stone and are often juicy, but tend not be eaten raw due to the tartness of the flesh.
Are Damson plums the same as Italian prune plums?
Home growers often have them, and the plants are available from a number of nurseries. Basically, Italian Prune Plums (also called Empress Plums) are a European-type plum, similar to an English Damson plum. Italian Prune or Empress plums, are a European freestone version of Prunus domestica.
What is the tastiest plum?
Toka Plum What is this? The Toka plum is a wonderful variety that might just be the sweetest plum you have ever tasted. In fact, it is sometimes called the Bubblegum plum because it really does taste like bubblegum! These medium-sized plums have warm red skin and bright yellow flesh.
What is the difference between a damson and a plum?
What makes a damson different from a plum, and vice versa? Let’s start with the basics: first and foremost, plums tend to be predominantly round, whereas damsons are characterised by an oblong-oval shape. But an even more obvious differentiating feature is that plums have a pronounced, grooved longitudinal seam, whereas the same seam on damsons is far more difficult to see.
How to make damsons?
Line your baking tray with baking paper and place the rolled dough onto it. Evenly sprinkle 2-3 tablespoons of breadcrumbs onto the dough. Wash the damsons, remove the stones, and use a knife to slice each one into halves or wedges. Lay the damsons on top of the dough, closely overlapping them like roof tiles.
What are damsons used for?
Damsons contain less water than plums, making them the far more popular for use in baking and cooking, as a great deal less work is involved in de-stoning them. Damsons also make a great cake topping as their low water content means that they retain their elongated shape when baked and do not disintegrate. On the other hand, plums, with their soft fruity pulp, are perfect for making plum jams or a delicious plum crumble. See our Damson cake recipe further below…
How long do plums last in the fridge?
To ensure that you get to savour these tasty drupes for as long as possible, always store plums and damsons in the fridge. They will keep fresh for up to 10 days in a traditional refrigerator compartment and for up to 20 days in a Liebherr BioFresh compartment.
How long to bake a damson cake?
Place the damson cake into the centre of a pre-heated oven and bake at 200°C for 35 minutes. Remove the cake from the oven, sprinkle with the remaining cinnamon/sugar mixture, and leave to cool. Cut up the damson cake whilst still on the tray and serve with whipped cream. Enjoy!
Do plums and damsons taste very different?
As a general rule, plums taste very juicy and sweet; they are frequently eaten fresh or used in crumbles. Meanwhile, damsons tend to have more of a sweet-sour, somewhat astringent flavour; they are usually cooked and taste great in jams and desserts. The fruit pulp in plums has a soft, loose consistency, whereas in damsons the pulp is harder and drier, making it easier to remove the stone.
What is Damson Plum?
Damson Plum. Prunus institia. A small, vigorous, rugged, erect growing plum tree. White flowers are borne in umbrel-like clusters of 2-3 on short spurs, and solitary or 2-3 in axils on one year old wood. The later spring bloom time of the flowers makes them less frost prone. The foliage is dark green.
What is the significance of Damson plum trees?
It may be an ancestor of the European plum. Wild plum trees are symbolic of independence . Plum is the national flower of Taiwan, and its flowers are often depicted in Asian art.
What type of soil does Damson plum prefer?
It prefers a moist, well-drained, loamy, mildly acidic to mildly alkaline soil.
What zone does damson plum grow in?
The damson plum can be expected to grow in Hardiness Zones 5– 7. View Map
When do plum trees ripen?
The foliage is dark green. Fruit production begins in 3-4 years.This tree bears heavy crops of purplish blue juicy, tart plums that ripens in August to October. Self-fertile.
Where did the plum tree get its name?
It appears in ancient Mesopotamian records and is the plum of the ancient Greek poets. It took its name from Damascus. From there, it was taken to Italy and then to the rest of Europe where it now grows wild and in home orchards.
When do clingstones ripen?
The flavor can be either sweet or sour, and the plums are great for canning. Yields ripe fruit typically from August to early September. Bears a heavy crop each season. Begins to bear crops in 3–4 growing seasons.
What is damson gin?
Damson gin is a type of liqueur that is traditionally associated with the United Kingdom. It is made with damson plums, sugar, and gin. The plums are steeped ... Read more.
What is the color of plums?
The flavor is distinctive, rich, sweet, and slightly astringent when fully ripe. The skin ranges from dark blue to indigo and near-black in color.
Where did the damson plum get its name?
It appears in ancient Mesopotamian records and is the plum of the ancient Greek poets. It took its name from Damascus. From there, it was taken to Italy and then to the rest of Europe where it now grows wild and in home orchards.
What is the significance of Damson plum trees?
It may be an ancestor of the European plum. Wild plum trees are symbolic of independence . Plum is the national flower of Taiwan, and its flowers are often depicted in Asian art.
What is the color of clingstone fruit?
Produces small, dark blue or purple clingstone fruit with golden yellow flesh that is firm and a flavor that can be either sweet or sour
Is Damson a plum tree?
The strong similarities between wild and domestic trees, and between the descriptions of ancient writers and observations today make this fruit tree noted for its remarkable consistency. The Damson is often grouped with the European plums, but botanists classify it as a separate species.
Is Damson plum good for home?
The Damson plum tree has many traits that make it a fine choice for the homeowner, including a low and compact crown, tolerance to different soils, cold hardiness, resistance to diseases, and the ability to thrive with little or no care. Not to mention the fact that the tart, juicy plums are excellent for home canning.
What is a damson tree?
The damson tree is a subspecies of plum. Farleigh damson plums are longer and more oval than regular plums and smaller overall in size. The flesh is firmer and drier and does not break down completely when cooked, unlike plums whose flesh melts into an almost baby food consistency when cooked.
What is a Farleigh Damson?
Farleigh damson plums are palm-sized bites of goodness. Their slight acidity and extra hardiness set them apart from standard plums. The trees are small and sturdy, which makes them excellent for windbreaks or hedges and they can be trained to a trellis or espalier.
Where did the Farleigh damson originate?
Farleigh damsons are bluish-black and arrive mid to late season. This damson originated in Kent in the early 1800s. The seedling was possibly a wild sport and grown by Mr. James Crittendon from Farleigh. The tree is also known as Farleigh Prolific due to its heavy cropping habit.
Do damsons need sun?
Like all plums, damsons require full sun. A southern or western site is perfect. Soil should have a neutral pH, be well draining and loam to sandy loam. Keep young trees well-watered and train them early to develop a strong scaffold and sturdy trunk.
Is Farleigh Damson a self fertile tree?
Farleigh damson is a self-fertile tree, but you can get a better crop with a pol linating partner. In addition to its extreme hardiness, the tree is also resistant to many pests and diseases, including silverleaf.
