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What is a Damson Plum?

M.C. Huguelet
M.C. Huguelet

A damson plum is the fruit of the damson tree, which is indigenous to the Middle East and Eastern Europe but is also grown in Western Europe, Great Britain, and the US. These plums are usually oval in shape and have a dark purple skin. In the past, their skins were used to create dyes. Today, they are most commonly used to make jams and a liqueur known as slivovitz.

The damson tree takes its name from the city of Damascus — in present-day Syria — where it was first cultivated many centuries ago. From here, damson tree cultivation spread to ancient Rome. The Romans subsequently introduced the tree to Great Britain, and British colonists in turn brought it to America. These trees grow to around 15 feet (4.57 m) in height, and are generally quite resistant to disease. They produce small white flowers in the springtime and plums in the early fall.

In general, the damson plum is oval or egg-shaped. Its skin is deep purple or dark blue in color. The flesh or inner part of a damson plum normally ranges from yellow to yellow-green.

Damson plum jam is generally made by stewing chopped damson plums.
Damson plum jam is generally made by stewing chopped damson plums.

Historical records suggest that the skin of the damson plum was commonly used by the ancient Romans to produce purple and blue dyes. These dyes could then be used to color textiles. The Romans may have introduced the damson tree to the British Isles for this purpose.

Usually, the skin of a damson plum is highly acidic. This acid gives the plums a bitter taste which many people find unpleasant. Thus, damson plums are rarely eaten as-is. They are, however, commonly used to make jams and to produce an alcoholic beverage known as slivovitz.

Damson plums are oval shaped with purple skin.
Damson plums are oval shaped with purple skin.

Damson plum jam is generally made by stewing chopped damson plums, sugar, and water on a stovetop until thickened. Many find that the tartness of the plums and the sweetness of the sugar make a pleasing combination. This type of jam can be difficult to find in US shops, but can be easily made at home.

Another common use for the damson plum is the manufacture of slivovitz, a type of brandy popular in Eastern and Central Europe. Slivovitz is made by pressing and distilling damson plums. The distilled plum juice is then mixed with starch or sugar, fermented, and left to age in wooden or steel casks. Once aged, slivovitz usually has a subtle almond flavor. It is commonly consumed as a digestif, or post-meal drink.

Discussion Comments

anon250434

Damson preserves are said to be a cure for hiccups!

My family has passed down damson tree cuttings for generations. I also felt it was a shame that they were going to waste, because my two trees easily produce five gallons of fruit, which is way too many preserves to even give away.

I have started experimenting with making it into wine, and I think eventually, I will be able to perfect a very nice drink!

DentalFloss

I have spent some time in central Europe, where slivovitz is very popular. I would say that there, at least, it is more of a pre-dinner drink, or a way to welcome guests at the beginning of a visit, than a post-meal drink; although some people enjoy drinking it at any time. If you do want to try it, though, bear in mind that it is very strong smelling, to say nothing of tasting.

poppyseed

My parents have a damson plum tree and I always thought it was a shame that they were so bitter. I love plums of a little sweeter variety, but those were just a little too tart for my liking.

Because nobody liked them, they were usually either eaten by the birds or left to rot. That is just against my nature, that kind of wastefulness.

I didn’t know that you could make a nice jam out of them though! I’ve canned different kinds of jam for the past few years; raspberry, fig and strawberry are all nice. Now I’m going to have to give plum a whirl!

There is just something about putting up homemade jam that makes me feel like sally homemaker; plus you don’t have all that much expense in it if you keep reusing your canning jars from year to year, which is completely safe.

If the jam turns out well, I know one gift that many folks will be getting for Christmas next year.

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    • Damson plum jam is generally made by stewing chopped damson plums.
      By: Dani Vincek
      Damson plum jam is generally made by stewing chopped damson plums.
    • Damson plums are oval shaped with purple skin.
      By: radomir54
      Damson plums are oval shaped with purple skin.
    • Damson plums are grown in Great Britain and other parts of Western Europe.
      By: pavalena
      Damson plums are grown in Great Britain and other parts of Western Europe.
    • Slivovitz is a distilled, fermented and aged beverage made from damson plums.
      By: Pavel Losevsky
      Slivovitz is a distilled, fermented and aged beverage made from damson plums.