The ‘Vale of Clwyd Denbigh Plum’ is as unique as its name suggests – it is the only plum variety native to Wales and is grown in the designated geographical area of the Vale of Clwyd in Denbighshire, North Wales.
The Vale of Clwyd Denbigh Plum is inextricably tied to the Welsh soil in which it grows – with its PDO status, it can only be grown in The Vale of Clwyd in North Wales, where the land is classified as being home to some of the most naturally fertile soils in the UK. The Vale of Clwyd with its nutritious earth and unique microclimate nurtures a consistently high yield of plums. If required for culinary purposes they are harvested in mid-August before they are ripe or if they are required as a dessert plum, they are allowed to ripen on the tree and are harvested in late August to early September.
These deep red plums with tinges of purple are jewel-like in appearance, strewn with golden speckles. They are spherical or slightly elliptical and measure between 25mm to 65mm from stalk end to tip. The dessert plums have a deeper flavour which is sub acid and sweet. It is this depth of flavour and sweetness which sets apart ‘The Vale of Clwyd Denbigh Plum’ as different. When cooked, the flavour intensifies, the natural sweetness of the plum is enhanced and the texture of the fruit melts in the mouth if eaten when warm.
The application for GI status for this remarkable fruit evolved from a community-led initiative to ensure that The Vale of Clwyd Denbigh Plum receives the recognition that it deserves. As the only native plum to Wales, this brings a spotlight to the region of Denbigh and The Vale of Clwyd which attracts visitors to the area and has sparked a resurgence of plum tree planting in the area.
