psu4cd
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Identification help pleaseHi,
I was out walking yesterday and came across these berries. I've searched on the web but can't find anything to match, but one plus was finding this forum. Can anyone advise if the fruit pictured is edible?
Thanks,
Russ
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sean
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They look like something on the sloe/damson/bullace continuum to me.
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Bebo
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Look like sloes to me, but I'd wait for an expert to come along if I was you.
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mochyn
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I'd say they're sloes. Whatever you do, don't eat one! Not toxic but they'll turn your head inside out. Best use for sloes: sloe gin.
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earthyvirgo
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I think they're bullace. If so, make lovely jam.
Look a bit big for sloes, unless they're big sloes 
As Mochyn suggests, the taste will tell you. Bite into a sloe and you'll know it. Ripe bullace will be nice and sweet.
EV
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psu4cd
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Re identificationThank you all for quick replies and help. I hope they are sloes as would like to dabble in sloe gin, having made some blackberry liquor last year. Think I will be brave (but not foolish) and taste with my tongue tip to see if sweet or bitter.....quite bitter 
Russ
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cab
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Pretty certainly a sloe I think.
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psu4cd
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Re identificationThanks cab, I have been looking at pictures of sloes on the web, now I've been pointed in the right direction, and they do seem to match. I'm tempted to start picking the end of this week as sunshine promised, concerned if I leave them too late there will be none left and would like some sloe gin for Christmas.
Russ
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Jamanda
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Stick them in the freezer before using.
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dpack
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good year for sloes
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psu4cd
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Re identificationThanks for tip Jamanda; as dpack says there does seem an abundance in the spot I came across, it has inspired me to look for more this weekend.
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nettie
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Sloes!!! I'f they are squidgy then pick them and freeze them as mentioned above, then you won't have to prick them with a pin when you stick them in gin or vodka.
They are really early this year, and in abundance, due to the soggy start this Spring, and later dry weather.
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bingo
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Sloe.
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jema
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Another Sloe vote
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