[Tom Parrot]

What is the difference between a greengage and a damson?
Are damsons sweet. ie like a plum?
I believe gage's are bitter and only suitable for things like jams.

[mumofstig]

Some of the sweetest 'plums' I've ever eaten were greengages. *drool*
Like anything it is important for them to fully ripen before you pick/eat them.

[sunshineband]

Ripe greengages are lusciously sweet, and can be eaten straight from the tree.

Ripe damsons can also be eaten like this, but they are smaller and have a bit of a twang to them.

Both make excellent jam, tarts and pies in my experience

Hope that helps 😊

[8doubles]

What is the difference between a greengage and a damson?
Are damsons sweet. ie like a plum?
I believe gage's are bitter and only suitable for things like jams.

Pretty much visa-versa , damsons are tart and a ripe gage is the best plum you will ever eat !

Ps I might tell a friend where to find damson trees but feral gages are on the secret list !

[Tom Parrot]

Thank you for the replies.
Seems to be the opposite to what I thought.
Will start checking out greengages.

[DanielCoffey]

Here is Vivian Lloyd's Damson Jam recipe. I have made several batches and it is excellent.

https://www.vivienlloyd.com/damson-jam-recipes/2102/

Here is a blog about Damsons and the things you can do with them...

http://shropshireprunedamson.com/

Damsons have a certain woody tartness and they are related to Sloes (but not as bitter). They are excellent in jams, chutneys and of course, gin or vodka.

According to Ashridge Trees, the Dennistons Superb Gage makes the perfect pollination partner for the Shropshire Prune Damson.

https://www.ashridgetrees.co.uk/damson-prune-damson
https://www.ashridgetrees.co.uk/prunus-dennistons-superb-plum-trees

[juvenal]

Greengages make great homemade wine. Comes out almost like a medium/dry sherry - and is potent.