Damson Chutney

They are small purple fruits that are part of the plum family. While plums are normally round, a damson tends to be oval in shape. They are also slightly smaller than plums.

While plums and damsons look similar, their flesh has a very different texture. Plums are juicy and sweet, while the flesh of a damson is a lot drier and the taste is not as sweet.

A spicy, savory dip, it is made from fruits, vegetables and herbs with added vinegar sugar and select spices. It pairs well with anything from curries and cooked meats to cheese and bread.

The term chutney used to be specific to a certain mixture of fruits,vegetables and spices with a specific texture. Now, there are so many different types made from a large range of ingredients and the definition is a lot looser.

Originally a way of preserving food, chutneys date back over 2,000 years to the Indian subcontinent. Back then, it was made in a form of paste or thick sauce, much different to the chunky texture of modern chutneys.

It was eventually picked up by the Romans and, later during the colonial era, the British. The Brits made it commercially in the 20th century and it eventually became a popular dish all over the world, with many more different types springing up.  

They are usually harvested between late August and October. This makes them perfect for fruity comfort food that brings a touch of summer, like jams and pies.

If it is firm, it’s not ripe. A ripe damson should be a little bit soft. Even when it’s soft and ripe, it won’t be quite as sweet as a plum. Still, it’s all about the flavour it brings when it’s cooked.

The best way to remove the damson stones is to use a cherry pitter. Make sure you choose damsons that are ripe and each stone should come away easily.

Another way to remove the stones is to put them in a pan of water and simmer until they soften. This will make removing the stones a lot easier.

You could also freeze the damsons. When thawed, the stone will come away a lot easier – just use a knife to cut down the length of the damson and then give it a twist. Then lever the stone out.

These little purple fruits are very good for you and have many great health benefits. These health benefits range from protecting against heart disease, boosting your immune system, improving digestive health, increasing energy, lowering cholesterol, strengthening bones, and decreasing the risk of certain types of cancer.

Aside from making a delicious spiced chutney, you can also use them to make an amazing jam. Check out my delicious damson jam recipe!