[Mel]

Hi all,

I am lucky enough to have around 10 blackthorn trees wild in the paddock,this year I have never seen so many sloes! There are so many,they look like bunches of grapes,literally heaving with them-I would never be able to use them all.

I have never used Sloes before and was going to try some jam or jelly,the sloes are ripening very quickly this year-I shall send in some pics tomorrow. Can I pick them now rather than wait until after our first frost only they are now very dark and it is very tempting to pick them,my pigs are eating those hanging low within their paddock,they seem to love them!   I tried one and eeewww,they are incredibly bitter!

Any advice appreciated!

By the way,you can see where I am on the map-if any one wishes for some,please do let me know!

[SallyintNorth]

Use some to make sloe wine; it's absolutely delicious, my favourite country wine.  It is easier to make if you wait till after the first frost - although people on here talk about popping the picked fruits in the freezer, then thawing, as having the same effect.  I haven't tried that myself.

Sadly you are a very long way from me or I'd take you up on that offer!

[Mel]

Use some to make sloe wine; it's absolutely delicious, my favourite country wine.  It is easier to make if you wait till after the first frost - although people on here talk about popping the picked fruits in the freezer, then thawing, as having the same effect.  I haven't tried that myself.

Sadly you are a very long way from me or I'd take you up on that offer!

Hi Sally,

I am happy to post them for the cost of the postage/courier - would keep it down to the bare minimum worth a thought?!-I shall look for the recipe for the wine,I am somewhat tee total,not touching spirits but would have glass or two at yuletide

[Darren]

freezing them makes the skins split so you dont have to prick each one