Sloes

[Titus]

They make a lovely wine, it always seems a waste to me to just add them to gin.

 

[cornish seagull]

I gather this is a sloe news day.

Ban him! lol

 

[Uncle C]

Ban him! lol

I sometimes think my humour is a little too subtle for NSC - everyone missed my other comment.

 

[Muzzy]

Yep. The point of the frost is to break down the skin. You'll still need to prick them before immersing them in the gin, though.

But you also need to give them time to mature on the bush. September is far too early to pick them.

100% this.... I have access to them but will wait until at least the end of October before I pick them. I've even started a bush off on my allotment.

 

[Arkwright]

The sloes look rubbish in Hampshire the late spring frost killed off most of the blossom.

Never pick a sloe until the first frost of autumn.

Sloe gin fantastic, always warms me up on a days shooting / beating.

 

[Lord Bracknell]

I sometimes think my humour is a little too subtle for NSC - everyone missed my other comment.

Don't let the bullace get you down.

 

[maresfield seagull]

Quite a few people have commented about picking in October, apparently they are better after a frost! We have very few frosts in Cornwall so would freezing them be the next best thing?

yes

 

[maresfield seagull]

Spent most of yesterday walking miles around the Cornish country side looking for Sloes to make sloe gin for Xmas. Not one Sloe to be found. Is there a Sloe shortage this year or am I missing something?

Definate shortage in this part of sussex This year Damsons seem a complete washout also

 

[maresfield seagull]

Quite a few people have commented about picking in October, apparently they are better after a frost! We have very few frosts in Cornwall so would freezing them be the next best thing?

First frost arrived midweek round here : <

 

[ferring seagull]

Lots around here too. Never pick before October though.

I would agree with that but less enlightened people will have stripped the bushes long before then !

 

[Barry Izbak]