10. The Gooseberry Harvest

There is a gooseberry bush growing amongst the brambles in the lane by the gate. It was planted by somebody years ago, and has been left to grow quite wild. Along with the cherries, it is one of the earliest fruits of the season. This year I decided to pick the fruit to make a gooseberry jam, using the River Cottage Preserves Handbook recipe. It was delicious: fruity and with a hint of vanilla.

At the end of the season I plan to trim the bush back and to train it as a fan against the wall by the gate. And next year I hope to try making gooseberry fools with them as well.