Growing Oullins Gages: A Guide to Cultivating and Enjoying This Sweet Fruit

Are you looking for a new fruit to grow in your garden? Consider growing Oullins gages! These small, yellow-green plums are known for their sweet and juicy flesh that is perfect for eating fresh, making jam, or baking into desserts. In this article, we will guide you through everything you need to know about growing and enjoying Oullins gages.

What Are Oullins Gages?

Oullins gages are a type of small, sweet plum that originated in France in the 19th century. They are named after the town of Oullins, located near Lyon, where they were first cultivated. Oullins gages are typically round or oval-shaped and have a yellow-green skin with red dots. The flesh is yellow and very juicy.

An Oullins gages tree in full bloom.

How to Grow Oullins Gages

If you want to grow Oullins gages in your own garden, here are some tips to get started:

Choose the Right Location

Oullins gages thrive in a sunny location with well-drained soil. Make sure the spot you choose gets at least six hours of direct sunlight per day.

Plant in the Springtime

The best time to plant Oullins gages is in the spring, when the soil has warmed up and the risk of frost has passed. Make sure the soil has been thoroughly tilled and add compost or other organic matter to improve soil quality.

Water Regularly

Keep your Oullins gages tree well-watered, especially during dry spells. Aim to give it about an inch of water per week, either through rainfall or watering by hand.

Prune Carefully

To keep your Oullins gages tree healthy and productive, prune it carefully each year. Remove any dead or diseased branches, as well as any branches that are crossing each other or growing too close together. You can also thin out the fruit on the tree to promote larger and sweeter plums.

Ripe Oullins gages ready for picking.

How to Enjoy Oullins Gages

Oullins gages are delicious eaten fresh off the tree, but they can also be used in a variety of recipes. Here are some ideas for enjoying your Oullins gages:

Make Jam

Oullins gages make a delicious jam with their naturally high sugar content. Simply cook the plums down with sugar and lemon juice until thickened, then store in jars for later use.

Bake into Desserts

Oullins gages are perfect for baking into pies, tarts, and crumbles. Try adding them to your favorite recipe for a sweet and juicy twist.

Pair with Cheese

Oullins gages pair beautifully with a variety of cheeses, from sharp cheddar to creamy brie. Serve sliced plums on a cheese board for a sweet and savory snack.

Freeze for Later

If you have a lot of Oullins gages that you don't want to use right away, consider freezing them for later use. Simply wash and pit the plums, then place them in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid. Transfer the frozen plums to a plastic bag and store in the freezer for up to six months.

Oullins gages, sweet plums, French fruit, plum recipes, fruit trees, gardening