Endrinas

The sloe is a fruit of the forest, which has a juicy drupe in the shape of a balloon and a diameter of 6 to 12 millimeters. The shrub can reach 2 meters in height and is usually thorny and branched. Its fruit is slightly acidic and rough, although when it ripens it gains a little more sugar and is harvested during the first frosts, when it acquires a sweeter flavor.

what is the sloe?

The sloe, also known as arañon or wild plum, is the fruit of the blackthorn, a tree that belongs to the prunus genus, which is the most important of the rosaceae family. Its fruit is dark blue or purplish black, spherical in shape, with a smooth and round seed.

The scientific name of the blackthorn is Prunus spinosa, which refers to its branches with thorns.

where is it grown?

The blackthorn is native to Central and Southern Europe, covering the westernmost and southernmost parts of the Iberian Peninsula, northern Algeria, Tunisia and western Asia. Its habitat is found in thickets, forests, scree and cliff slopes. It matures during the summer and autumn months and is available for harvest in September and October. The flowers are harvested in spring.

Ideal eating conditions

When the sloe is harvested, it is important that its color is bright and intense. It should also be dry and firm to the touch. To consume it in its natural state, it is important that it is well ripe or has suffered the effects of frost, as this is when it loses acidity and roughness and its flavor gains sweetness. Once at home, it is convenient to store them unwashed in an airtight seal in the refrigerator.

what properties does the sloe have?

Sloe is rich in fiber and is an ally against constipation, as it helps to recover the movement of the intestinal tract. It also contains vitamin C, which generates that the absorption of iron is better channeled, and a powerful antioxidant, which neutralizes the action of free radicals harmful to the body.

Also, sloes boost the immune system and help reduce the risk of degenerative diseases, cardiovascular and even cancer.

This fruit is also rich in potassium, a mineral essential for the transmission and generation of nerve impulses and for normal muscle activity, and is low in calories.

Nutritional information (per 100 grams)

Calories: 46 kcal

Carbohydrates: 11.42 g

Fiber: 1.4 g

Iron: 2.1 mg

Calcium: 37 mg

Vitamin C: 9.5 mg

where to buy sloes in Madrid?

If you are looking for sloes in Madrid, in Fruterías Charito you can find the best genre of sloes. We are a traditional greengrocer, with online sales in Madrid. Buy your berries and sloes and we will bring them to your home.

Recipes with sloe berries

The sloe is favorable for certain gastronomic preparations. Its characteristic flavor allows it to be used to make liqueurs based on this fruit; its acidity makes it ideal for making pacharán, and its bittersweet touch makes it a very appreciated ingredient in recipes for jellies and jams.

Sloe pacharán

Ingredients:

• 400 g of ripe sloes
• 1 l of sweet aniseed
• Cinnamon stick

Preparation:

• Wash the sloes and let them drain in a colander.
• Clean well the bottles where the pacharán is going to be prepared.
• Arrange the sloes at the bottom of the bottle and add cinnamon stick. Cover with aniseed, cap and shake to mix well. After that, let it rest in a dark place for a minimum of 6 months, shaking the bottle every 2 or 3 weeks.
• Filter the pacharán through a fine mesh strainer and discard the sloes and cinnamon. Store in the refrigerator and serve chilled.