What are sloes?
Sloes are the small, dark purple to black fruit of the blackthorn bush (Prunus spinosa). They are typically about the size of a pea and have a tart, sour taste. Sloes are often used in making drinks like sloe gin, a popular liqueur. While the fruit is too bitter to eat raw, it is commonly harvested after the first frost, which helps to soften their taste. Sloes can also be used in jams, jellies, and syrups.
Sloes, Wildlife and pets
Sloes, the fruit of the blackthorn, provide important ecological benefits. The flowers attract early pollinators such as bees and other insects, which aid in pollination. The dense, thorny branches of the blackthorn bush also offer shelter and nesting sites for birds, particularly in hedgerows.
In autumn, the sloes themselves become a vital food source for various wildlife, including birds like thrushes, robins, and blackbirds, who feed on the fruit, especially when it becomes softer after frost. Small mammals, such as hedgehogs, may also benefit from the fruits.
Sloes are not highly toxic to pets, but they can be harmful if consumed in large quantities. Particularly the stones within the Sloes should not be eaten by pets.
How To Identify sloes
The Leaves
The leaves of the blackthorn bush are simple, oval-shaped, and have finely serrated edges. They are dark green on top and paler beneath, with a slightly hairy texture.
The Flower
Sloe flowers appear in early spring (March to April) before the leaves. They are small, white, or pale pink and have five petals.
The Fruit/seeds
Sloes are small, round, and dark purple to black when ripe, about the size of a pea. They have a bitter taste when fresh, which improves after frost or when processed. Inside, there’s a small hard seed (stone). The fruit grows in clusters along the branches, typically appearing in autumn (September to October).
Hazards To Be Aware Of
For a secure foraging experience, adhere to the precise guidelines for identifying Sloes. During peak season, Sloes stands out conspicuously in its natural habitat due to their blue/purple hue. Nevertheless, a few plant species may exhibit a similar appearance, especially at various stages of development.
Cherry Laurel
Sloes should not be confused with the cherry laurel (Prunus laurocerasus), a poisonous plant that is sometimes mistaken for blackthorn or other Prunus species. The cherry laurel is toxic to humans and animals due to its cyanogenic compounds.
Key differences:
Cherry Laurel has glossy, dark green leaves and produces toxic berries that are more oblong in shape.
Sloes are small, round, dark purple to black fruit from the blackthorn, often found in hedgerows.
How To Locate sloes
Sloes are the fruit of the blackthorn (Prunus spinosa) bush and can typically be found in hedgerows, woodland edges, and on the outskirts of fields throughout the UK and parts of Europe. They grow in thick, thorny bushes that often form dense, tangled shrubs or small trees.
Blackthorn bushes are most commonly found in:
- Hedgerows and countryside borders: Particularly along roadsides, lanes, and rural pathways.
- Woodland edges and clearings: Blackthorn thrives in open, sunny spots.
- On the outskirts of forests or parks: It can also grow in slightly disturbed ground, like railway embankments.
Sloes are usually visible in late autumn, with the small, round, dark purple or black fruit ripening after the first frost. They can be found in the arboretum at Burton Constable Holiday Park. You can read more about the arboretum here.
Uses of sloes
Sloes are best known for their use in making sloe gin, a popular British liqueur. The fruit of the blackthorn bush is known for its sharp, tart taste, which, when combined with sugar and gin, creates a distinctive, slightly sweet, and fruity alcoholic beverage. The fruit is also used in jams, jellies, and preserves.
Making Sloe Gin
You can find an excellent sloe gin recipe from the Woodland Trust right here.
The ingredients needed:
- 1 litre bottle of gin
- 450g sloes
- 225g caster sugar
- 1 large sterilised jar or 2 empty gin bottles
