Now is the time to pick fruit from the hedgerows, blackberries but never rush to pick sloes, let them mature naturally. Find sloes in hedgerows on blackthorn but you need good thorn proof gloves to pick them. Once picked, wash them gently.
Sloe gin traditionally it is made by infusing gin with the bitter-tasting drupes, using sugar to extract the sloe juices. Sloes are used to make the red liqueur normally with an alcohol content between 15 and 30% abv. You also can make other spirit-based tipples which could include blackberry whiskey, elderberry liquor, raspberry gin, damson gin and elderflower gin.
The Rye News sponsored sloe gin competition will once again be held in the new year and will also welcome any spirit-based tipple which could be included in the competition.
Sloe gin is an ideal drink for a cold winter evening as well has being a good Christmas tipple but please, don’t be tempted to drink all your sloe gin at Christmas, leave some for the new year and the annual Rye News competition.
Alternatively, why not try making sloe chutney where you use sloes instead of green tomatoes. The ingredients you will need are:
1kg sloes
2 chopped onions
1 chopped chilli
450g brown sugar
225g seedless raisins
1 stick cinnamon
1 teaspoon whole cloves
300ml malt vinegar
Some people also add a few blackberries or blueberries but the choice is yours.
Wash sloes and put into a pan, cover tightly and cook on a low heat until really soft. Pass through a sieve.
Add the spices to the puree and add the rest of the ingredients. Bring to the boil, stirring well until the sugar has dissolved. Simmer gently for 30 minutes. Pot and seal. Store at least two months before use and then enjoy your pleasant, mild chutney.
Image Credits: Dennis Leeds-George .