Wild plum things ?

morganlefay

I have just discovered several trees on the edge of a quiet country road, on a bit of ground which probably belongs to the council since it has no fields nearby, just a little wood. The trees are burdened with little fruits, starting green, then going yellow and eventually red. I tried one and it was pleasant - if unripe - and definitely plummy. Has anyone used these for jam etc ? They are so plentiful, and so FREE !

diamond_sky

Yep! Have a look on google images as there are a number of different wild plum types, but sounds the same as the one near us. I've used them to make 7 jars of jam :j and portions of stewed plums to freeze.

I actually picked them when they were unripe as the local council always cut down the branches as they overhang a pathway :mad: So had to make sure I got them before they were chucked! I'd be more sympathetic if the council cut back/got rid of the ridiculous amount of brambles rather than the tree branches.

Farway

morganlefay wrote: »

I have just discovered several trees on the edge of a quiet country road, on a bit of ground which probably belongs to the council since it has no fields nearby, just a little wood. The trees are burdened with little fruits, starting green, then going yellow and eventually red. I tried one and it was pleasant - if unripe - and definitely plummy. Has anyone used these for jam etc ? They are so plentiful, and so FREE !

Similar situation, but more urban, I have just made 6 jars of jam from 1.5K of them

Also have same of yellow ones, so yellow plum jam making during the week

BTW I did not bother to cut the stones out, those spreading it on the bread can do that bit, I did skim out some of the stones as it was being made

There is a thread somewhere about pectin, I just used lemon juice and it has set fine

As the jars are still cooling I have not been able to try it on bread, but a few finger lickings of the pan tell me it is good stuff :j

Mojisola

You can use the yellow plums to make a very good "pretend" mango chutney.

LameWolf

Sounds like cherry plums
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cherry_plum
We have them growing near here, and they make super jam!

boredjellybean

they could be Bullaces ? I've spotted lots of these along the hedgerow today I am hoping to pick some soon & have a play

elisamoose

Sound like cherry plums.We have one opposite and my mum is already making jam! Last years was great and went really well with cheese!

floyd

Cherry plums make fabulous gin as well

Sambucus_Nigra

LameWolf wrote: »

Sounds like cherry plums
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cherry_plum
We have them growing near here, and they make super jam!

I just picked a load of these today - flippin lovely.

Making plum wine with mine.