Now Forage

Plum: Colour fully develops (purple, red, or yellow by variety) and a waxy bloom appears on the skin. Softens slightly at the tip. Taste-test for sweetness — European plums are better slightly soft; Japanese types can be harvested firmer.

Quince: Yellow, fragrant, and very hard when ripe — not soft like apples. Look for a deep golden-yellow colour and a strong quince aroma. Inedible raw (very astringent); excellent for jam, paste, and jelly after cooking.