Greengage
Greengage
The greengages are a group of cultivars of the common European plum. The first true greengage came from a green-fruited wild plum
(Persian: گوجه سبز trans. Gojeh Sabz) originally found in Iran (Persia); that original greengage cultivar nowadays survives in an almost unchanged form as the cultivar Reine Claude Verte.[citation needed]
The Oxford English Dictionary regards "gage" and "greengage" as synonyms.[2] However, not all gages are green, and some horticulturists make a distinction between the two words, with greengages as a variety of the gages, scientifically named Prunus domestica subsp. italica var. claudiana.[3][4] The gages (P. d. ssp. italica) otherwise include the large and usually purple to blackish but occasionally bright yellow round plums (var. subrotunda, e.g. the Ontario plum), as well as the ancient and little-known Austrian varieties Punze (var. rotunda) and Weinkriech (var. vinaria).
Greengage fruit are identified by their round-oval shape and smooth-textured, pale green flesh; they are on average smaller than round plums but larger than mirabelle plums (usually between 2 and 4 cm diameter). The skin ranges in colour from green to yellowish, with a pale blue "blush" in some cultivars; a few Reine Claudes – such as 'Graf Althanns' – are reddish-purple due to crossbreeding with other plums. Greengages are grown in temperate areas and are known for the rich, confectionery flavour. They are considered to be among the finest dessert plums.
There are about 20 commercially available varieties of plum, each with varying degrees of sweetness and colors ranging from deep purple to blushed rose to golden. The one plum you will likely not find for sale comes from Green Gage plum trees (Prunus domestica ‘Green Gage’). What is a Green Gage plum and how do you grow a Green Gage plum tree? Read on to find out about growing Green Gage plums and Green Gage plum care. Read more at Gardening Know How: What Is A Green Gage Plum – How To Grow A Green Gage Plum Tree
Compact Green Gage plum trees produce fruit that is sublimely sweet. They are a naturally occurring hybrid of the European plum, Prunus domestica and P. insititia, a species that includes Damsons and Mirabelles. During the reign of King Francis I, the trees were brought to France and named after his queen, Claude. The trees were then imported into England in the 18th century. The tree was named for Sir William Gage of Suffolk, whose gardener had imported a tree from France but lost the label. A favorite plum since Jefferson’s presidency, Green Gages were included in his famous garden at Monticello and extensively cultivated and studied there. The trees bear small to medium sized, oval, yellowish-green fruit with a smooth skin, juicy taste and freestone flesh. The tree is self-fertile, small with low branches and a rounded habit. The honey-plum flavor of the fruit lends itself well to canning, desserts, and preserves as well as eaten fresh and dried. Green Gage plums can be grown in USDA zones 5-9 and thrive in regions with sunny, hot summers combined with cool nights. Growing Green Gage plums is much the same as growing other plum tree cultivars. Plant bare-root Green Gages in early winter when the tree is dormant. Container grown trees can be planted any time during the year. Situate the tree in a sheltered, sunny area of the garden with well-draining, fertile soil. Dig a hole that is as deep as the root system and wide enough to allow the roots to spread out. Take care not to bury the scion and rootstock connection. Water the tree in well. Read more at Gardening Know