Damsons-How do you know they are ripe?

[danpug]

As above does anybody know how to tell? I've got access to a load at a friends house, some are soft and purple but are still bitter, is this normal?

[Duffbeer]

No, they are unripe, damsons should be sweet and taste like plums, leave them until they start to fall off the tree.
You could however invest in a refractometer which will give the sugar % (brix)

[danpug]

Ah ok. Some have turned purple and some are green/purple, do you have any idea how many days till they'll be ripe?

[lockwood1956]

Once they start falling off the tree they are ripe, but they will still be a tad tart, they dont quite get as sweet as normal plums, which is why they make good wine.

regards
Bob

[danpug]

Awesome, hopefully they'll be ready in the next week.

[flower]

my damsons are never ready till about the middle of september