How long will damsons keep?

[bikegirllisa]

We just picked a load of damsons up at the plot - how long will they keep?  I can't get started on the jamming today, but next Saturday looks good.  Will they still be okay?

[bikegirllisa]

[Alex133]

May be ok in a fridge but I think better if you can sling them in a freezer - have found plum jam works very well with frozen fruit. 

[saddad]

In gin... a very long time.. until you open the bottle...  ;D

[pg]

After a week the pectin will have started to break down. Which is great if you want to release the juice &/or turn them into wine (where pectin causes hazes).

But if you want to make jam then you'll want the pectin to make the jam set. Plums & damsons are a little low on pectin for jam making anyway so after a week you may end up with rather runny jam.

Fridge temps should slow down the break down somewhat but I thnk the freezer would be a better bet.

[bikegirllisa]

Thanks all - put them in the freezer for now.  16 lbs of damsons to deal with.  Negotiations with him indoors are ongoing - I say jam and chutney, he says wine!

[bikegirllisa]

In gin... a very long time.. until you open the bottle...  ;D

.

That assumes they ever made it into the gin in the first place.  I would have to taste the gin to make sure it was suitable first.  ;D