Plums are a fantastic seasonal British fruit. Everyone loves the very well-known Victoria plum but there are several other varieites that are just as delicious - so why not try a variety that is new to you?
The many varieties found mean that from late July through into September, plums of different shapes, sizes, colours and flavours can be enjoyed in a number of ways. Plums can be cooked to make jams and preserves, bottled to make wines and liqueurs, put in the freezer to be enjoyed at a later date or most popular of all, simply eaten ripe and freshly picked straight from the tree.
There are hundreds of varieties of plums grown in the UK. Varieties have been introduced to these shores over a number centuries from countries such as Sweden, Canada and France. In more recent times much research has been carried out in order to improve production of plum varieties to supply the ever increasing demands of the consumer. Some characteristics of plums that have been altered are size, shape, disease resistance, yields, seasonality and flavour. Plums have been cross bred and grown on differing root stocks these are other examples of change all geared towards increased fruit quality and production of fruit per tree to continue encouraging producers to supply our great demand for this superb seasonal British product.
The following list illustrates our many fantastic and not-to-miss plum varieties and gives you a brief background of each to get those taste buds tingling ready for the plums when they are in season.
The most popular plum variety in the UK. Dating from the Victorian era, it is very well-known for it heavy crops and fantastic flavour, especially ripe off the tree!
Its excellent flavour makes it very good for making jams, pies and crumbles or for the other winter warmer plum liqueurs and wine.
In season from mid-august to mid/late September.
Opal plums originate from Sweden, introduced in 1925 they are a medium sized oval shaped fruit. Opal is one of the best tasting early plum varieties. It is a cross between a gage and plum leading to its excellent flavour. Benefiting from warm growing periods and south facing locations, the opal is a heavy cropping self fertile early plum, juicy with a yellow flesh and fantastic aroma.
Opal plums are an early-mid season variety ripening over a 1-2 week period in late July.
Avalon is one of the finest quality dessert plums. In the style of a Victoria, this modern round-oval shaped plum has a definitive sweet plum flavour, producing large, purple-red fruit. Best enjoyed strait off the tree closely followed by another one! Growers recommend a Pixy rootstock as it produces a strong tree and is ideal for smaller gardens.
It is partially self fertile and its picking season is typically from mid August.
Jubilee is a superb plum. Developed in Sweden in the 80’s, this eye catching plum due to its superior large long oval shape and coupled to that its excellent flavour is a very tasty option and is hard to refuse when in season. Jubilee is larger and darker than a Victoria making it a real mouthful but one that will always be enjoyed. It is a self fertile, heavy cropping mid season plum.
Picking season is usually around the middle of August onwards.
Reeves plums are an attractive red to rose coloured plum. Originating in Canada in the 1940’s, this excellent large round plum possesses a beautifully rich flavour and is very juicy. It is dual purpose so is fantastic to eat ripe in season or brought out of the freezer to make comforting crumbles throughout the winter. The Reeves is the Q’s staff favourite!
It is self fertile and its picking season is mid August. Keep your eyes out for this one when we have it in season, you won’t want to miss out!
Marjorie Seedling originated in Berkshire in 1912. The main characteristics are its large typical plum shape, dark purple colour with a heavy bloom and its yellowish-green juicy flesh when ripe. It has dual purpose qualities helping make a tangy plum tart and tasting very sweet when ripe.
Marjorie Seedling is the main late-season plum sold commercially in the UK. It is a self fertile and reliable heavy cropper.
Picking season is generally late September.
DamsonsDamsons are a classic English fruit which boast excellent culinary qualities, making fabulous jams, preserves and ice cream. It can also prove a good ingredient for sweetening vodka or gin to warm the cockles on the coldest of winter days. It is a hardy fruit tree surviving in both warm and cold damp climates. Its main characteristics are its medium size and oval shape, its blue-black colour, heavy blush and a green-yellow flesh. It is also heavy cropping.
A typical picking season will start in late august and carry throughout September.
Old Green Gage is often thought to be one of the best flavoured plum varieties. Originating in France, it is generally thought to have been introduced to England in the 18th century. The fruit is small and round in shape and green in colour turning more yellow as it ripens. The flesh is yellow and beautifully sweet and juicy. This self fertile fruit is grown for its exceptional flavour, be it fresh off the tree or cooked in jams and crumbles.
The picking season is typically early September.
Oullins Gage has a classic gage flavour. It derives from the town of Oullins near Lyon in France and was introduced to England in the 1860’s. Oullins Gage is large by gage standards, round in shape and goes an attractive golden colour when ripe with faint red dotted markings. Its dual purpose means that fresh its yellow flesh tastes sweet and it also lends itself to cooking. If cooking then pick this gage slightly under ripe for best results.
This good pollinating, self fertile fruit can typically be picked from mid August.
Meat | Fruit & veg | PYO | Apple juice | pies
Now picking plums at
Q Gardens
