Everything about The Greengage totally explained
The
Greengage (
Prunus domestica or the 'Reine Claude') is an edible
drupaceous fruit, a
cultivar of the
plum. It was developed in
France from a green-fruited wild plum (Ganerik) originally found in
Asia Minor. It is identified by its small, oval shape, smooth-textured flesh, and ranging in colour from
green to
yellow, grown in temperate areas. They are known for their rich, confectionery flavour that causes them to be considered one of the finest dessert plums.
History and etymology
Sources attribute the origin of the name "Greengage" variably to several members of the Gage family. One account states that the cultivar was brought into England by the Rev. John Gage who obtained them from the
Chartreuse Monastery. "Green Gages" were imported into
England from France in 1724 by
Sir William Gage, 2nd Baronet (d. 1727), from whom they get their English name. Allegedly, the labels identifying the French plum trees were lost in transit to Gage's home in
Bury St. Edmunds. Soon after, Greengages were cultivated in the
American colonies, even being grown on the plantations of
American presidents George Washington (1732–1799) and
Thomas Jefferson (1743–1826). However, their
cultivation in
North America has declined significantly since the
eighteenth century.
The name 'Reine Claude' (
French for "Queen Claude"), which is included in its
Latin scientific name and also are the name by which they're known in France, is named in honour of
Claude (1499–1524), the
duchess of Brittany, who became the
queen consort of
King Francis I of France (1494–1547). They are also called
la bonne reine (French for "the good Queen") in France.
Cultivation
Greengages breed more-or-less true from seed, and several similar cultivars produced from seedlings are now available; some of these include other plum cultivars in their parentage:
- 'Bryanston' (UK)
- 'Cambridge Gage' (UK)
- 'Denniston's Superb' (USA)
- 'Golden Transparent' (UK)
- 'Laxton's Gage' (UK)
- 'Laxton's Supreme' (UK)
- 'Ontario' (Canada)
- 'Reine Claude de Bavay' (Belgium)
- 'Transparent Gage' (France)
- 'Washington' (USA)
Further Information
Get more info on 'Greengage'.
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