Food - Drink
What Makes Greengage Plums Unique
By WENDY LEIGH
A fruit once relatively common in America, the greengage plum, has been widely replaced by plum varieties that are easier to cultivate. However, fruit connoisseurs still covet the sweet goodness of this rare plum, which likely originated in Iran and later landed in England, the country that named the fruit "Green Gage."
Sweet Flavor
The greengage's most striking quality is its green skin and flesh, which remains this color even when ripe. This small and juicy fruit rewards eaters with a sweetness level that is higher than other plums, and the flavor is described as syrupy and honey-like, with nuances similar to mango, apricots, and citrus marmalade.
Elusive Beauties
Greengages are hard to come by, since the finicky crop must be grown in a specific temperature range of 32 to 48 degrees F, and the plums are too delicate to ship. However, Californians may have more luck, since this state is home to Andy's Orchard, the biggest American producer of greengages, though production is still sparse.
Growing and Eating
You can grow your own greengage plums, but only if you have patience, since the tree will only bear fruit after about seven years. The crop also needs full sun exposure, cool nights, consistent pruning, and a dry harvest season, since rain can lead the fruit to rot, but a taste of this plum might be worth it for tenacious gardeners.