Sloe Berries

Sloe berries are small, dark blue fruits of the blackthorn shrub (Prunus spinosa), closely related to the plum. They grow wild on the edges of forests and country lanes. Their flavor is intensely astringent and tart, softening slightly after the first frosts. In the kitchen, they are primarily used for processing, sloes are made into jams, marmalades, compotes, liqueurs, and homemade spirits. Sloe gin is a particularly popular preparation worldwide. Raw fruits are barely edible due to their astringency, but after cooking or fermentation they develop an interesting, complex fruity flavor. They are rich in vitamin C and tannins.