Sloe Gin

[johnnytheboy]

Is it not to early for picking sloes? Thought the old guidance was to wait until after the first frost!

 

[Bucephalas]

I did Damson a few years back and it was lovely.
Tested every 3 months and a little more sugar added if needed. Superb.

A friend of mine has a variety of plum trees in their back garden and a few Damson.


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[British Red]

Is it not to early for picking sloes? Thought the old guidance was to wait until after the first frost!

Bung them in the freezer - bursts the cell structure in the same way

 

[johnnytheboy]

Yes I know but it's sort of traditional for us!

 

[British Red]

I see no harm in leaving them, I've done it both ways and there doesn't seem much difference. With bullace and damson you have to time it in that narrow window between ripeness and wasp destruction!

 

[Harvestman]

I have experimented with using unripe (pre-frost) sloes, mainly because of impatience. The resulting sloe gin is lighter, and sharper, more acidic. Not unpleasant, just different from the fuller, fruiter more traditional version. I like both, and often do both types deliberately now.