If you've ever bought green gages from a supermarket in the UK or western Europe, they are almost certainly Reine Claude de Bavay. Don't worry if you were disappointed with the flavor - you can solve that problem by growing your own!
Whilst a purist might prefer Old Green Gage, Reine Claude de Bavay also has the distinctive gage flavor, but is easier to grow. Cropping is more reliable, but as with all gages, not heavy.
The fruit is medium-sized, and green/yellow when ripe. Rated by Victorian author Hogg as "a first rate dessert plum of exquisite flavor".
Deliveries resume December 2020
Although easier to grow than many gages, Reine Claude de Bavay still benefits from a sheltered south-facing position if possible.
Part of the Reine Claude group of plums, known in France since the Middle Ages. Reine Claude de Bavay is thought to originate from Belgium in the 19th century, and was possibly raised by Major Esperen of Mechelen in northern Belgium, who was also responsible for the well-known pear variety Josephine de Malines.
