Damson fruit

Kweegly

Hi Everyone,

I have two Damson trees in my garden and I'm wondering when I can pick the fruit? I want to make Damson Jam or Damson Gin.

The two trees although very close to each other seem to be at different stages with the fruit. I'm not sure if I should just pick everything off both trees or wait until all the fruit is purple?

Also some fruit appears to have a fungus or mould forming, should I discard this fruit or is it still fine to make Damson Gin with?

ow and what is the sap like substance on the Damsons is that harmless or should I avoid using that fruit?

Picture below

Last edited: 11 August 2016 13:29:28

pansyface

FIRSTLY, THE BROWN BLOBS ON THE FRUIT ARE BROWN ROT. NOT GOOD. GET RID OF EVERY SINGLE AFFECTED FRUIT AND BURN IT OR THROW IT IN THE COUNCIL RUBBISH BIN.

PICK THE GOOD FRUITS AS THEY RIPEN. THEY WILL TASTE MUCH BETTER IF THEY ARE PICKED RIPE.

ANY GUMMY STUFF ON THE BARK OR FRUITS IS A SIGN THAT THE BARK OR FRUITHAS BEEN DAMAGED BY CUTS OR SCRAPES AND THAT THE TREE HAS SEALED UP THE DAMAGE WITH THE GUM.

Last edited: 11 August 2016 13:40:30

Alina W

If "sap" appears on the fruit it can also be a sign of wasps feasting on the fruit.

Kweegly

Thanks for the replies, I will discard the ones with the spots in the council bin and pick the rest. Just to confirm they are ripe when all purple, I don't have to wait for them to be purple and soft as an example? and the sappy ones are fine to use?

pansyface

I WOULD CHECK THAT THE ONES WITH SOME OOZE ARE SOUND INSIDE. SOMETIMES THERE IS A MAGGOT IN THERE.

SOFT FRUIT IS TASTIER BUT IN THE END IT IS UP TO YOU.

Kweegly

Thanks

Maggots, you've just set my OCD into overdrive now, i'm going to have to inspect every one haha.