Last Autumn, we harvested the damson crop from the wilderness that is the bottom of the garden. I love the blacky blueness of the fruit with it’s milky lustred skins.
Last night, we enjoyed the sweet intensity of Damson Vodka.
Although September is the harvesting time for damsons, the success of our Damson Vodka, made me want to post this now, so bookmark it for when they do become available. Here in Cumbria, the Westmorland damson grows in hedgerows and there is even a celebration of damsons at Damson Day in the picturesque Lyth Valley. At some time in April, exactly when depending on the weather, the orchards and hedgerows become snow white with blossom – a wonderful sight to see. When the fruit ripens in September, it is sold from roadside stalls and in local shops. To find out more, visit Westmorland Damson Association
So here’s the how to….
You will need
4lbs of fruit
2lbs of sugar
1litre of Vodka – cheap is fine.
Prick the washed fruit several times with a fork or a pin. Mix all ingredients together. Pour all ingredients into a large sealable and sterile vessel, such as a kilner jar.
Leave for at least 3 months, turning upside down every time you remember.
Strain out the fruit (which you should save and use to make a sauce for ice cream, or actual home made ice cream, or alternatively pit and dip in melted dark chocolate to coat)
Decant into sterile bottles. Enjoy and look forward to the next harvest !