After the very wet end to August it may feel as if Autumn has started early this year. Picnics and barbecues may well be a distant memory but fortunately there is a lot of British produce to look forward to in Autumn as we begin to see the first apples, pears and nuts appear, and, of course, game season is now in full swing.
Damsons begin to ripen in September; a subspecies of plum which are sweet yet astringent, damsons are great in jam and desserts and make terrific gin and wine. Look for the Merryweather variety which is sweet enough to eat without cooking.
By now, elderberries should be hanging from trees all over the UK. As one of the most common trees in Britain, everyone can become a forager to collect these little berries which can be pickled and preserved or made into a delicious pontack sauce which is traditionally served with cold meats and game.