Syrupy sweet Reine Claude Dorées are here.

Grown in chalky soils near Moissac, an area considered the birthplace of France’s finest plums, these come from three dedicated growers: Tristan, Guy, and Marc.

This old greengage variety, originally brought from Asia to France centuries ago, was so beloved by the reigning queen that it took the name: Reine Claude.

The delicate nature of this fruit generally keeps it close to home. Thin-skinned, web-scarred, and prone to splitting in rain, most growers won’t take the risk. But Tristan, Guy, and Marc do more than take the risk, they let the fruit hang until sugars peak, harvesting only at full maturity.

Enjoy them just as they are, bake them into tarts, spoon them over yoghurt and ice cream, or transform them into jewel-like jelly (pastry chef Louis Thompson will show you how below). 

Rare, complex, and only with us for a short while, this is a stone fruit grown against the grain.

A couple of weeks ago, we told you all about our glut of soil-grown Heirloom Tomatoes from seven carefully selected growers across the UK. This week, we've got even better news. A selection has made its way into this fortnight's Peak Season Box, along with Passion Fruit, Reine Claude Dorées, White Peaches, Corn on the Cob and Padrón-style Peppers.

When Louis first arrived in London from Melbourne, he and his friend Katie took weekly visits to the London Borough of Jam in Clapton, where a jar of greengage and fennel pollen jam opened his eyes to unexpected pairings. As Louis walked us through his recipe, that memory lingered. He created a delicious composition of anise-infused jelly, softly whipped fennel blossom cream and ripe Reine Claude Dorées, where each element was carefully placed to celebrate the plum at its peak.