What kind of fruit is a damson plum?
The damson (/dmz?n/) or damson plum (Prunus domestica subsp. insititia, or occasionally Prunus insititia) is a tasty drupaceous fruit, a subspecies of the plum tree, often known as the “damascene.” When damson plums are ripe, how do you determine whether they’re ready to eat? Check the maturity of the plums.
Are damson plums self-fertile?
Damson Plum trees are very wind-resistant and can withstand a variety of circumstances. While many fruit trees need another tree to pollinate with, the Damson Plum tree is self-fertile.
Are greengages and damsons the same thing?
When it comes to greengages, plums and damsons, it's easy to get confused. They're all very similar, grow in the same sort of way, and come from the same family. So how do you tell the difference between them? Well, we're here to explain. That way, before you go and learn exactly how to grow plums, you can decide the best type for your garden.
Do damson plum trees need a lot of maintenance?
Many plum trees are shipped as bare root trees, so you will need proper well-drained soil to fill in around your Damson Plum tree once it is planted. Because the blue Damson Plum does fine in various soil and hardiness zones, once it is established, you do not need to worry about much maintenance and upkeep.
See more
Is a damson and a plum the same?
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.
How do you identify damsons?
DamsonLeaves. Dark green, shiny and oval shaped with a serrated edge.Flowers. Clusters of small, white flowers with five petals.Fruit. A dark blue/black fruit with a thin white bloom.Bark. The trunk is usually fairly thin the bark is often covered in scars, moss and lichen.Habitat. ... Possible Confusion. ... Taste. ... Frequency.More items...
Can you eat damson plums?
Generally too tart to be eaten raw, damsons are fantastic in jams, jellies and desserts. Find out when damsons are in season and top tips for cooking them. 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.
Are damsons the same as prune plums?
Damson plums (also called Italian prune plums or Empress Plums) for Austrian plum cake.
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 damsons edible raw?
Damsons are quite a sour fruit and are not particularly good for eating raw, but when it comes to cooking, they are absolutely perfect. For the likes of jams, crumble, cobbler or a medley of roasted autumn fruits, the Damson really takes center stage at this time of the year.
How can you tell a damson from 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.
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!
How do you get the stones out of damsons?
Damsons are clingstone fruit, with flesh that clings to the stone making them hard to remove. If you don't like the idea of leaving stones in, you can cut down the length of the damson and twist, then use a knife to lever the stone out.
How do you eat damsons?
Modern cultivated damsons (such as the Merryweather variety) can be eaten raw when ripe, although there is about as much stone as there is flesh. In general, they're best cooked, which brings out their sweet, spicy flavour. Many home-brewers are also eager to harvest the fruit to make damson 'wine' or damson gin.
What are the 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.
Are damsons poisonous to dogs?
Prunus species 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.
How do you tell the difference between sloes and damsons?
Sloes are the fruit of blackthorn trees and have sharp thorns and wild damson trees do not. Damsons have longer stems so hang and look more like a tiny plum. Sloes have shorter stems and hug the branches more.
What is the difference between a bullace and a damson?
Generally Damsons are more elongated than Bullaces, which are usually round and Damsons are slightly less tart. In the wild though it can be very complicated and for foraging purposes we treat them both the same and so whether you are making Damson Gin or Bullace Gin the method is identical.
What month are damsons ready to pick?
Damsons are produced on trees and ready to harvest from August to October in the UK. They will come true from a saved stone, but you could be waiting many years for the tree to mature and bear fruit. Most damsons are self-fertile and do not require another nearby.
What Colour are damsons?
Although the majority of damson varieties are blue-black or purple in colour, there are at least two now-rare forms of "white damson", both having green or yellow-green skin.
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 to make a dough with a spoon?
Use a strong wooden spoon, electric hand mixer or food processor to knead the mixture into a smooth dough (kneading until the mixture comes away from the edges of the bowl). Recover the bowl with a cloth and leave the dough to rise until it has doubled in size.
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.
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.
What is a Sloe plum tree?
Sloe are Prunus Spinosa – These are UK native wild plums, very very acidic and very hard until ripe but still acidic. The smallest of all the plums approx 10mm. Used for winemaking. Trees used for livestock hedges due to their thorns.
What is a mirabelle plum?
Mirabelle plum are a subspecies of Prunus domestica more commonly known as Prunus syriaca – varieties are Nancy and Metz
What is the biggest fruit?
Plums are Prunus domestica – Generally the biggest fruit and used for eating and cooking.
What is a Damson Plum?
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.
What is the difference between Newport plums and Damson plums?
Newport plums offer stunning visual colors while not offering fruit that is commonly eaten by humans. At the same time, Methley plums provide delicious rich plum flavor. Damson plums, also known as Prunus Institia, give you a little of both worlds.
How to Grow Damson Plum Trees?
A dwarf Damson Plum tree grows to be ten feet wide and ten feet tall compared to the normal plum tree being twenty feet tall and twenty feet wide. That means if you are limited on space, you can grow Dwarf Damson Plum trees on your back porch with ease.
What is the flavor of blue damson plum?
Because a Blue Damson plum has a sweet-sour flavor, they are often used in a variety of jelly and jams where sweeteners are added.
How often do Damson plum trees grow?
Damson plum trees have a moderate growth rate, so where you decide to plant them is crucial. They typically grow a foot to two feet every single year. Damson Plum Trees also thrive in full sun and well-draining soil. Damson plums are perfect for any type of soil but love growing in moist soil. They are also incredibly cold, hardy ...
How long does it take for a Damson Plum tree to produce fruit?
Also, once you plant a Damson Plum tree, you can expect a fruitful harvest in 2-4 years. The dark green foliage along with the purplish-blue fruit complement each other to create a stunning display.
Why are damson plums considered clingfruit?
Damson plums have an oval shape and are considered clingfruit because the fruit is attached to the stone inside. When eating a blue damson plum, you must eat around the stone that it is attached to, knowing that ahead of time is crucial.
