Sloe - Blackthorn (Prunus spinosa)

Family: Rosaceae | Edibility: Edible (3/5)

Bloom Color: White. Main Bloom Time: Mid spring. Form: Vase.

Edible Parts & Harvest Seasons

Edible Parts: Fruit, Berries, Nuts/Seeds, Flowers

Harvest Seasons: Early Summer, Fall, Late Summer, Spring, Winter

Flavor & Culinary Uses

flavouring for sloe gin and other liqueurs. — Fruit - raw or cooked.; Exceedingly astringent, it is normally cooked but once the fruit has been frosted it loses some of its astringency and some people find they can enjoy it raw.; The fruit is more usually used in jellies, syrups, conserves etc and as a flavouring for sloe gin and other liqueurs.; Some fruits that we ate in December were fairly pleasant raw.

Habitat & North American Range

Hedgerows and woods, usually in sunny positions, on all soils except acid peats. (Zone 4, Zone 5, Zone 6, Zone 7, Zone 8)