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Talkback: It's sloe gin time

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  • Interestingly we picked sloes here, south Hampshire, at the end of August, there are none to be had now. The Gin has been doing it's stuff since then and we hope for some sampling over Christmas!
  • Hi,



    Can you pick sloes in August and freeze them?



    Fraser
  • Orchid LadyOrchid Lady Posts: 5,800
    I'm not sure but I think it's too early yo pick them yet? I was once told they should be picked after the first frost (ie late October?)
  • WelshonionWelshonion Posts: 3,114
    Don't pick them yet, it's far too early. They must be good and black and ripe before you pick them.



    By all means put them in the freezer for a few days, it saves having to prick them as the skins split.
  • Orchid LadyOrchid Lady Posts: 5,800

    http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-2727393/Rain-brings-glut-sloe-berries-Unusual-weather-led-earlier-usual-crop-fruit-used-make-flavoured-gin.html

    That's what I thought Welsh onion, but just seen the above article.  Do they not lose any flavour freezing them?  I don't want to lose any sloe flavour in my gin image I'm thinking if trying them in white run this year image

  • WelshonionWelshonion Posts: 3,114
    I don't freeze them for long or they wouldn't be in the gin for long enough before Christmas. I usually prepare them in October; when they are ripe, but before the gales take them.



    You can put them in the spirits with the sugar without thawing them. Shake as often as you like until the sugar is dissolved.
  • Orchid LadyOrchid Lady Posts: 5,800

    I made some a couple of years ago with gin and although I'm not a big gin fan, it was lovely. I do like white rum though image Last year we had no sloes at all, they all just seemed to disappear after the blossom had gone, but we didn't have many blackberries either.

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