Overview
Prunus domestica - Shropshire Prune
Native to the West Midlands, Shropshire Prune is regarded as one of the best varieties for cooking.
Flowering Group: 3
Pick: Mid September
Use: Cooking
Description
Originating from Shropshire in the 17th Century, the Shropshire Prune is also known as the 'Greengage of Damson' and is one of several Damson types of plum. These are small plums with a bitter flavor when eaten fresh, but everything is transformed by both drying and cooking when they become sweet, rich and flavourful, ideal for using in pies, jams or wine. They are deep, dark purple with a yellow flesh and their oval shape is slightly longer than other varieties. This Damson is self-fertile, however cross-pollination can improve the flavour. The fruits are best picked in mid-September.
Planting Position
A hardy variety, this Damson tree will grow in any UK area but it especially agreeable to the North and West of the UK as it prefers a damp climate. It still requires a sheltered location with full sun and prefers loam or sandy soils with a neutral pH.
Attributes
It received an Award of Garden Merit from the Royal Horticultural Society in 1998 and is selected for its culinary purposes. It has good resistance to disease and the small growth habit makes growing Shropshire prune Damsons a good option for smaller gardens.
