Damsons are easy to love – they grow all over the place and in abundance. From woodland and riverbanks to allotments and waste grounds. This is simple and rewarding foraging!

Damsons are very similar to plums; they start to appear at the end of August and by the time mid-September hits they are weighing down the branches and shouting “gather me!”.

 Here are our top five tips for how to enjoy a slice of September at home, post-gathering of course: 

1. Damsons sauce with confit duck lugs

Who said a Saturday night dinner on the sofa means hoi sin!

http://fromthelarder.co.uk/2014/08/chinese-damson-sauce/

2. Damson cheese

Get yourself a muslin cloth and you will be good to go.

http://www.cottagesmallholder.com/damson-cheese-recipe-for-savoury-and-sweet-dishes-45/

3. Damson jelly

A toast-lovers favourite and an easy, impressive Christmas gift.

http://www.independent.co.uk/life-style/food-and-drink/features/rise-and-shine-skye-gyngells-delicious-damson-recipes-2099628.html

4. Damson gin & tonic

Bear with us here because this one takes time, but come December we promise you’ll love us.

http://www.downtoearthfoods.co.uk/recipies/damson-gin/

5. Gooey chocolate & damson cake

This is a seasonal take on a brownie and it’s blooming delicious.

http://littlebirdiebaking.co.uk/autumn/chocolate-damson-cake/

Of course the season doesn’t stop at damsons. September is full of bounty! Here’s what we are suggesting: 

Twice-baked crab soufflé with sorrel tartare

Partridge with wilted Swiss chard, quince purée, chestnuts & a beetroot potato layer

Striped mulled pear with blackberry drizzle, fennel syrup dots & ginger ice cream