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Posted by sazacb (U3407451) on Tuesday, 30th August 2011
Normally I am very strict with myself and only pick sloes for gin after the first frosts. However, out walking the dogs today I noted an abundance of sloes on my local bushes. Not wanting to appear selfish, but I would be devastated if they were to be picked by others before the weather turned cold and I got to them!
Does anyone have a view as to whether it is simply too early to pick them, and if I did pick them now would a quick spell in the freezer have the same effect as a frost?
Thanks for any advice!
Leave them as long as you dare, they will have a better flavour. Round here we have to balance it against the chance of a gale taking the lot off. Though not quite yet. It is still a bit early to pick them, I think.
Yes you can put them in the freezer, then you can collect a few at a time as you take your walks. There is the added advantage that you won't have to prick the sloes as their skins will split naturally as they thaw. Make your sloe gin when they are frozen, it's easier.
, in reply to message 2.
Posted by martingodliman (U13761957) on Tuesday, 30th August 2011
If you know they will still be there later hang on a bit they definitely will have more flavour the later you can leave them.
Thanks to both who replied- I'll hang on for a while and keep my fingers crossed!
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