Greengages are often regarded as a separate type of fruit to plums, but they are a plum cultivar developed from a green wild plum. They are one of those unique and beautiful fruit that we look out for each summer.
Reine Claude is the most common greengage variety to be traded commercially in Europe. It is not visually appetising due to the pale green / pale yellow appearance, but it is heavenly to eat when at its peak – truly irresistible! The green skins often have a pink or yellow hue.
Good Fruit Guide Rating: *****
Reine Claude greengage is a truly irresistible fruit
Sweet, succulent, honeyed.
Names: Reine Claude; Prunus insititia
Origin: Originally from Armenia, greengages are derived from the bullace (a wild plum, similar to Sloe, but without the thorns). In UK, they are named after Sir Thomas Gage, who received stocks from his brother in France early in the 18th century. In France, they are called Reine Claude after the wife of Francois I (1494-1547).
Grown in: France, Spain, Portugal and Britain. They are also produced in North America and the Benelux countries.
Harvest & Availability:
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- July: France, Spain, Portugal
- August: France, Spain, Portugal, UK
- September: France, Spain, Portugal
- October:
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