Green gage plums

Discussion in 'Fruit and Nut Trees' started by Robin Hanway, Aug 26, 2004.

  1. Robin Hanway

    Robin Hanway Member

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    Bainbridge Island, WA USA
    I have several plums trees that I believe are Green Gages. I'm interested in other people's experience with these plums, and interested in sharing jam and preserve
    recipes. They seem to have a very short harvesting period before they are overripe and rotting. The color is a lovely yellowish green, and the jam tastes peachlike.
    Does anyone know the history of these trees?
     
  2. Eric La Fountaine

    Eric La Fountaine Contributor Forums Moderator 10 Years

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  3. Harry Hill

    Harry Hill Member

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    Roberts Creek, BC (Sunshine Coast) Zone 8
    New York Times article on greengages

    Today's (Sept 1) New York Times carries an excellent article on greengages in France. You might have to register (no charge) to access it:
    http://www.nytimes.com/2004/09/01/dining/01GREE.html

    Here's another way to the story that possibly doesn't require registration:
    A Finicky Fruit Is Sweet When Coddled

    September 1, 2004
    By DAVID KARP

    The greengage is universally acclaimed by experts as the
    finest of plums - and may just be the best fruit in the
    world.

    http://www.nytimes.com/2004/09/01/dining/01GREE.html?ex=1095079534&ei=1&en=952fd70429bd802c
     
  4. mr.shep

    mr.shep Well-Known Member 10 Years

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  5. GREENGAGEs

    The greengage I beleive was either introduced by Sir William Gage in the mid 18th century to a church yard near Bury St Edmunds in Suffolk. It was named after him and it's colour, of course. They are still very plentiful in the area and I actually have a greengage hedge at the back of my cottage that bears much fruit for james etc.
     
  6. At 7000 ft in the San Bernardino mountains (CA) my neighbor has a huge plum tree at least 30 years old which I believe to be a green gage. Due to our late uncertain frosts, it bears only every 4-5 years, but the fruit is marvelous-tasting. The tree is never fertilized and seldom watered . Fortunately several limbs hang into my yard, so I am able to help myself.
    What a bonanza!!!
     

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