Sloes are often used to make jams, jellies, and especially sloe gin.

Culinary Uses

Fresh sloes have a sharp, sour taste and are usually not eaten raw.

Bitter Taste

Sloe picking is done in late autumn, often after the first frost.

The sloe bush, or blackthorn, commonly grows wild in the countryside.

Sloe bushes have sharp thorns and small leaves, making them recognizable.

Many birds and animals eat sloes, so they're important for wildlife.