The British plum season has kicked off at Waitrose today (17 July).
The warm spring and early summer days have perfectly ripened orchards across Gloucestershire to create a plum that is sweeter than ever, the retailer claims.
The first batch of homegrown 'Herman' variety plums are being delivered to 30 Waitrose shops across the country, making them the first supermarket to stock this British fruity favourite this year.
The plums will then be available in all of the supermarket's branches in two weeks' time. Herman plums are grown by Michael and Christiana Bentley from Castle Fruit Farms in Gloucestershire. The Bentleys have grown plums for Waitrose for 12 years and the farm's orchard has produced fruit for the retailer for 30 years.
The Herman plum is traditionally the first plum variety to be picked each season. It has a purple shiny skin and is 'free stone', which means its stone is small and falls easily away from the flesh.
The plums are harvested carefully by hand to prevent bruising so they are in as perfect condition as possible when they arrive into shops.
Waitrose has committed its support to the British plum industry by stocking even higher volumes of British plums this year.
The retailer will have ten different varieties available, which will change over the season.
Amy Lance, Waitrose fruit buyer, said: 'The British plum season is always exciting, seeing this beautiful and delicious home grown fruit hit our shelves again. The really warm start to our summer has led to the fruit tasting exceptionally sweet this year. Our shoppers love plums for their versatility.
'They are perfect for summer desserts or jam making, lend themselves well in sauces to accompany poultry dishes or how I like them best, unadulterated straight from the fruit bowl.'
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