Sloe

Sloe, Blackthorn or Draighean in the Irish.

Prunus spinosa is it's posh name and how it lives up to it. Wicked thorns but that beautifull early blossom brightens up any dowdy hedgerow. It's also another home brewer's favorite. The small purple fruits, though very acid and tannic, make an excellent wine or a lovely liqure when steeped in a bottle of 'Mother's Ruin' and some sugar.

 

Well I am an expert at sloe gin! but not too heavy on the sugar please. you can also make it with vodka, but I think gin is best.

Make sure you prick fruit, people say to freeze it to break skin, but this is a lazy tasteless option.

You have half upset me now, I used to collect the sloes in my pocket as I went riding in late Autumn, I have just taken the decision to sell my horse so I suppose I will have to buy the bottled stuff or buy some step ladders ;-(

 

I used to make sloe wine when we lived in the country..i havnt seen any sloes here..i made some sloe wine once and it tasted as good as harveys sherry..hic...I also love sloe gin..the one you can buy from the supermarket doesnt taste as good as home made..I wish the husband would hurry up and retire now so we can move ..all these lovely photos..make me wish i was elsewhere..I suppose i am lucky as i have fields around my home ..at least their is something to look at..

 

First thing I did when I moved here was search out the sloes... Have now found a satisfactory spot that I can reach with the aid of my crutch! I've made sloe vodka too as one daughter isn't too keen on gin.
I've got several little sloe bushes grown from seed. I hope each year that THIS YEAR they will flower... they're very sloe... :D