The damson season is so short that you can blink and miss it. Making your own damson jam ensures that uniquely deep, mysterious flavour is always on hand. If you have your own damson tree ...

The fruit from the tree - said to originate from the area around Damascus - was often used to make jam. "Every damson was essential to feed the troops," he said. Damson picking still has to be ...

I recommend using damson plums if you can get them. They make the best jam - rich, deep in colour and with a bit of lemon for a little tartness. Scrummy on toast, scones, brioche or a bakewell tart.

Although quite tart to eat, they're a valuable ingredient for making jam and incorporating ... like getting a plum tree to ...