is damson a plum

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? Damsons and plums: different appearance, different texture

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 zone do damson plum trees grow in?

Growing Damson plum trees is suitable in USDA plant hardiness zones 5 through 7. If you’re thinking about growing Damson plum trees, you need a spot where the tree receives at least six to eight hours of full sunlight per day.

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What is the difference between a damson and plum?

Damsons are longer in shape than plums. They generally have deep blue skins and they are spicier and more tart, making them better for cooking. They're a popular pick for jam making. Damsons also have a reputation for being hardier, thanks to their wild ancestry.

Are damsons small plums?

Damsons, bullaces and cherry plums can be regarded as the semi-wild cousins of plums. They are small plum like fruits which are mainly used making jam and cooking. Once popular and widely used, these have now become one of our almost forgotten traditional fruits.

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.

What type of a fruit is a damson?

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.

Can you eat damsons straight from the tree?

Damsons are a really reliable fruit and reward the gardener with a good harvest of delicious plump fruit for eating straight from the tree or making into jams, pies and crumbles.

Are damson stones poisonous?

Damson stones contain the cyagenic glycoside amygdaline, a toxin that can lead to cyanide poisoning if taken in quantity (how much?) – don't eat lots of damson stones, and don't get any Walter White 'crystal damson' lab ideas!

Are damsons poisonous to dogs?

Apricots, nectarines, damsons, cherries, plumbs, peaches and cherry laurel all belong to the Prunus family. If the seeds, or stones of these fruits are chewed and swallowed, it can cause toxic effects.

Are damsons good for you?

Damson plums are considered a fruit with a high concentration of bioactive compounds, such as vitamins (A, C, and E). They also contain other compounds, which contribute to their antioxidant capacity, helping remove or neutralise free radicals that can cause cellular damage to humans.

What tree do damsons grow on?

The damson (/ˈdæmzən/) or damson plum (Prunus domestica subsp. insititia, or sometimes Prunus insititia), also archaically called the "damascene", is an edible drupaceous fruit, a subspecies of the plum tree.

What are small plums called?

8) Myrobalan Plum These are also sometimes referred to as cherry plums because they look like small, round, red or yellow cherries. They come in many cultivar forms and their taste ranges from sweet to tart.

What are Damson plums 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.

Can I grow a damson tree from a stone?

Damsons are not difficult to grow. They will come true from a stone and will produce fruit within 15 years. Alternatively, you can buy a tree grafted on to a rootstock that will control the amount of growth.

What are small plums called?

8) Myrobalan Plum These are also sometimes referred to as cherry plums because they look like small, round, red or yellow cherries. They come in many cultivar forms and their taste ranges from sweet to tart.

What size are Damson plums?

Blue Damson plums are small to medium-sized stone fruits, typically around the same size as a large cherry, and have a round to oval shape, sometimes slightly pointed at one end.

What do Damson plums look like?

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.

Are Damson plums the same as Italian prune plums?

Damson plums (also called Italian prune plums or Empress Plums) for Austrian plum cake.

What is damson plum?

In South and Southeast Asia, the term damson plum sometimes refers to jamblang, the fruit from a tree in the family Myrtaceae.

Where did the damson plum originate?

The exact origin of Prunus domestica subsp. insititia is still extremely debatable: it is often thought to have arisen in wild crosses, possibly in Asia Minor, between the sloe, Prunus spinosa, and the cherry plum, Prunus cerasifera. Despite this, tests on cherry plums and damsons have indicated that it is possible that the damson developed directly from forms of sloe, perhaps via the round-fruited varieties known as bullaces, and that the cherry plum did not play a role in its parentage. Insititia plums of various sorts, such as the German Kriechenpflaume or French quetsche, occur across Europe and the word "damson" is sometimes used to refer to them in English, but many of the English varieties from which the name "damson" was originally taken have both a different typical flavour and pear-shaped (pyriform) appearance compared with continental forms. Robert Hogg commented that "the Damson seems to be a fruit peculiar to England. We do not meet with it abroad, nor is any mention of it made in any of the pomological works or nurseryman's catalogues on the Continent". As time progressed, a distinction developed between the varieties known as "damascenes" and the (usually smaller) types called "damsons", to the degree that by 1891 they were the subject of a lawsuit when a Nottinghamshire grocer complained about being supplied one when he had ordered the other.

What is a Shropshire plum?

'Bucks Prune', 'Michaelmas Prune') is a semi-wild plum of damson type from the area of Buckinghamshire and Berkshire centred on Ivinghoe.

Why do you leave damson stones in jam?

Because damson stones may be difficult and time-consuming to separate from the flesh, preserves , such as jam or fruit butter, are often made from whole fruit. Most cooks then remove the stones, but others, either in order not to lose any of the pulp or because they believe the flavour is better, leave the stones in the final product. A limited number of damson stones left in jam is supposed to impart a subtle almond flavour, though as with all plums damson stones contain the cyagenic glycoside amygdalin, a toxin.

How to tell a white bullace from a damson?

Bullaces can usually be distinguished from damsons by their spherical shape, relatively smooth stones, and poorer flavour , and generally ripen up to a month later in the year than damsons.

Where are damsons found?

Remnants of damsons are sometimes found during archaeological digs of ancient Roman camps across England, and they have clearly been cultivated, and consumed, for centuries. Damson stones have been found in an excavation in Hungate, York, and dated to the late period of Anglo-Saxon England.

Where did damson flowers come from?

Damson flowers. The name damson comes from Middle English damascene, damesene, damasin, damsin, and ultimately from the Latin (prunum) damascenum, "plum of Damascus". One commonly stated theory is that damsons were first cultivated in antiquity in the area around the ancient city of Damascus, capital of modern-day Syria, ...

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 do Damson plums look like?

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. Look for clusters of white blooms to appear in spring.

How tall is a Damson plum tree?

Damson plum trees reach mature heights of about 20 feet (6 m.) with a similar spread, and dwarf trees are about half that size.

What type of soil do plum trees like?

Plum trees aren’t too choosy about soil, but the tree will perform best in deep, loamy, well-drained soil. A pH level slightly on either side of neutral is fine for this adaptable tree.

Can you eat Damson plums?

According to Damson plum tree information, fresh Damson plums ( Prunus insititia) are bitter and unpleasant, so Damson plum trees aren’t recommended if you want to eat sweet, juicy fruit straight off the tree. However, when it comes to jams, jellies and sauces, ...

What is damson plum?

Damson plums are a rather mysterious subspecies of plums that most people have never heard of, as they are often overshadowed by their slightly larger cousins. They have a similar taste, although slightly astringent in terms of their flavor, but they are found in many of the same culinary preparations. The scientific name of damsons is Prunus domestica subsp. insititia, and in terms of its origins, many think that it came from Asia Minor, although now it is most commonly found in England. It grows wild in certain parts of the United States, but it has become typically associated with British culture, particularly given their historical love of jams and jellies, which damsons are perfect for. [1] [2]

Why do people use damson plums?

This is likely due to the high concentration of magnesium and vitamin C, both of which help to regulate sleep, but people still use damson plums as regulatory sleep aids when you simply aren’t getting enough rest. [8]

What are the benefits of damson plums?

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.

Do damson plums have fiber?

As with the majority of fruits, damson plums are very high in dietary fiber, which is a key part of our digestive health, as it helps to move food through our digestive tract, eliminating constipation, bloating, cramping, and more serious conditions as well, such as gastric ulcers.

Does damson plum help with cholesterol?

The fiber found in damson plums is also an excellent way to reduce excess cholesterol, as fiber can scrape “bad” cholesterol from the system and eliminate it from the body, thereby helping to maintain a proper cholesterol balance in the body.

Can damson plums be eaten with breast cancer?

Charlton, University of Wollongong, New South Wales, Australia, states that phytonutrients present in the skin and in the natural coloring of the fruit can prevent or even reverse the development of breast cancer cells. As this is the most critical form of cancer in women, adding some damson plums to your plate is never a bad idea ! [7]

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.

Is Damson plum self fertile?

It is cold hardy and tolerates strong winds. Rainfall and high humidity during the growing season can cause the fruit to crack.Thinning is not necessary for Damson plums.

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.

Which is better, plum or damson?

Damsons are longer in shape than plums. They generally have deep blue skins and they are spicier and more tart, making them better for cooking. They're a popular pick for jam making.

What other types of plums are there besides damsons and greengages?

As well as these core stone fruits, you may come across other relatives such as the bullace (which is like a tiny damson) and the sloe (the blackthorn fruit with a plummy taste).

What is the difference between Japanese plums and European plums?

The plum family falls into two broad categories: Japanese and European. Japanese plums tend to be fat and red and thrive in warmer regions , while European kinds are smaller , oval , and happy in cooler climes. European plu ms also tend to be self-fruiting (otherwise known as self-pollinating), so you only need one tree to enjoy a harvest. Greengages and damsons are types of European plum.

How long does it take for a plum tree to grow?

These rootstocks can also have a bearing on when the tree will start fruiting. It can take up to 10 years for plum trees to reach maximum height, and at least three or four years after planting before fruits start to appear. Check the label before you buy so you'll know what to expect.

What is a true European plum?

True European plums are oval and fleshy, like a tangy peach. They are less fussy about warmth than Japanese plums and greengages, and are differently shaped to damsons.

What is the taste of plum?

Tastes vary from spicy and acidic to soft and aromatic – and these flavors can be more or less pronounced, depending on whether you grow one on its own or with other breeds.

Where are mirabelle plums grown?

Mirabelles are high-sugar cultivars and a popular choice for fruit brandy. They are most commonly grown in Lorraine, France and are very difficult to find in the US.

Overview

History

Characteristics

Cultivars

White damson

Uses

External links