Shropshire Prune Damson saved by the Slow Food Ark
A local action group from Ludlow Slow Food has applied for inclusion of the local ‘Shropshire Prune’ Damson in the Slow Food ‘Ark of Taste’. The group’s application has been successful, and was announced nationally at last week’s Slow Food UK AGM.
Sue Chantler, spokesperson for the group says: ‘This is fantastic news; we researched the Shropshire Prune thoroughly while making the application, and soon became alarmed at people’s lack of awareness of this most delicious autumn fruit. Retailers, too, seem unaware of the distinctive identity of the Shropshire Prune, which is very worrying because the fruit is part of our local food heritage.’
Sue says: ‘Our goal is to protect and nurture the Shropshire Prune by encouraging food producers, retailers and consumers to identify the fruit by its variety, just as apples are identified by their variety. We will also encourage individuals to plant their own trees, and fruit farmers to plant Shropshire Prune orchards’. Sue adds: ‘It’s very early days yet, but the interest that people are showing in the project is very encouraging. We’ve scheduled a Shropshire Prune Slow Food Taste Workshop during the Ludlow Food Festival in September. The workshop features a lot of young, upcoming food producers and chefs who are keen to explore the varied culinary uses of the Shropshire Prune.
For more information visit www.slowfoodludlow.org.uk/ or email slowludlow@googlemail.com or contact Sue Chantler 01584 891336
