Abergwyngregyn

The Abergwyngregyn Damson is a rare, heritage variety of damson plum (Prunus domestica subsp. insititia) cultivated in and around the village of Abergwyngregyn, near Llanfairfechan in North Wales. This small, dark purple fruit is highly prized for its intensely tart flavor, rich color, and aromatic flesh, qualities that set it apart from more common commercial damson varieties.
Historically, the Abergwyngregyn Damson was widely grown in cottage gardens and small orchards throughout the area, where it formed part of a self-sufficient food culture. Local families used it for making jams, jellies, chutneys, and traditional Welsh puddings and cakes. The fruit was often preserved to provide vital winter nutrition and flavoring during the colder months.
The variety is thought to be particularly well adapted to the coastal climate and fertile soils of the region; the Abergwyngregyn Damson has a sharp tang and slightly firm skin. Its trees are hardy, low-maintenance, and long-lived, often passed down through generations.
Sadly, with the rise of industrial agriculture and supermarket standardization, this local damson variety has declined drastically. Few trees remain today, mostly in private gardens or through the work of local orchard heritage projects. It is not found in commercial nurseries or major food markets.
A single damson tree grows at the college farm site on the Menai Straits, at Abergwyngregyn near Llanfairfechan. It is perhaps over two hundred years old, yet it is remarkably disease-free. It produces an abundance of good-sized dark purple fruit of excellent flavor.
Excellent eaten raw or made into a deep ruby-colored jam. Presumably self-fertile. Pick and use in September/October.
Efforts are now being made to conserve and propagate this unique fruit, both for biodiversity and cultural reasons. It represents a living link to traditional Welsh horticulture and seasonal food traditions.
The variety is not very widely grown today.
Due to urbanization, the loss of traditional orchards and the lack of commercial propagation are at serious risk. But through the work of Ian Sturrock, a specialist fruit tree nursery, it is gradually becoming more widely available in Wales.