The damson season is so short ... they are much easier to stone. See the recipe tip for details. Have on hand sterilised jars, a heatproof pouring jug, a jam funnel and pop two saucers into ...

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 fruit, there are a few things you can do to get a damson tree to fruit.