blackthorn fruit crossword clue – All Crossword Answers
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Solutions for "blackthorn fruit crossword clue" by Letter Count
4 Letters
SLOE: A small, dark, tart fruit of the blackthorn tree, commonly used to make sloe gin.
More About "blackthorn fruit crossword clue"
The blackthorn, scientifically known as Prunus spinosa, is a thorny shrub or small tree native to Europe, Western Asia, and Northwest Africa. Its fruit, the sloe, is a small, plum-like drupe, typically dark blue or purple with a distinctive waxy bloom. The sloe is renowned for its extremely tart and astringent taste, which is significantly mellowed after the first frost. This natural process breaks down some of the harsh tannins, making the fruit more palatable and suitable for culinary use.
While too sour to eat raw for most people, sloes are highly prized in various traditional recipes. Their most famous application is in the production of sloe gin, a traditional British liqueur where sloes are steeped in gin, often with sugar, to create a rich, fruity, and slightly tart spirit. They are also used to make jams, jellies, compotes, and even wine. The "blackthorn fruit crossword clue" is popular due to the common usage of 'sloe' in crosswords, often testing general knowledge about native flora and traditional British beverages.
Understanding the properties and uses of the sloe can not only help you solve this specific crossword clue but also broaden your general knowledge, which is always beneficial for tackling more complex puzzles in the future.
Tips For Your Next Puzzle
- Think Botanically: For clues involving plants or fruits, consider their scientific names or common names, especially those used in traditional foods or drinks. The "blackthorn fruit" clue is a classic example where a specific botanical term (sloe) is sought.
- Check Letter Count: Always verify the number of letters. For "blackthorn fruit," the answer "SLOE" fits the common 4-letter slot, which can quickly narrow down your options once you suspect the answer.
- Consider Common Associations: Many crossword clues rely on well-known pairings. "Blackthorn fruit" immediately brings to mind "sloe gin" for many, which then easily leads to "sloe." Look for these strong associations.
- Utilize Cross-References: If you have intersecting words, use the letters you've already filled in from other clues. Even one letter can often confirm a suspected answer, like an 'L' helping confirm 'SLOE'.
For more advice, visit our page on general crossword strategies.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a sloe?
A sloe is the fruit of the blackthorn bush (Prunus spinosa). It's a small, dark, round fruit, similar in appearance to a small plum. They are notably astringent and sour before being exposed to frost, which sweetens them and makes them suitable for making sloe gin, jams, and preserves.
Why is 'sloe' a common crossword answer?
Sloe is a common crossword answer because it's a relatively short word (four letters) and refers to a specific, well-known natural item that isn't overly obscure. Its distinct association with 'blackthorn fruit' makes it a good fit for clues seeking a precise botanical term or an ingredient for a particular drink.
Are sloes edible raw?
While sloes are technically edible raw, they are extremely tart and astringent, making them very unpleasant to eat straight from the bush. They are traditionally processed, often after the first frost, to mitigate their bitterness and enhance their flavour for use in alcoholic beverages like sloe gin, or in cooked applications like jams and jellies.