roadside fruit

[gan heather]

While walking home today I found a plum tree growing alongside a busy road (but not on anybody's property). I'd like to pick some to make jam, but should I be concerned about the fact they grew so close to the road (pollution and such)?

[bearded bloke]

Wash them in a colander under a running tap & they will be fine

[OverWyreGrower]

I pick elderflowers/berries and blackberries from the roadside... have always given them a good wash, and I've never had any issues...

[Alison]

Depends on the road, if it's a very busy one with loads of fumes I tend to avoid if I can get the fruit elsewhere but as said above a good wash will help. Also, it'll probably have far less fumes than most of the stuff you buy in the shops.

[Flummery]

They won't have been sprayed at least! They don't put lead in petrol any more do they? (Asks the total non-driver!)

[Two_Sheds]

I'm sure we breathe more pollutants every day in the air than you will get from roadside fruit (so long as it's not obviously discoloured with road dirt & grease)

[Jeanied]

I don't pick stuff at dog-peeing height - apart from that, I use it all!

[Two_Sheds]

I don't pick stuff at dog-peeing height - apart from that, I use it all!

So you're OK with pished-drunk-man-pee height?

[Jelliebabe]

I've just started some Plum wine! YUM YUM!

[Snadger]

While out walking the dog in the fields I noticed in the hedgerows I normally visit that there arer loads of damsons growing. Green at the moment though..........so I shall return!

[Glutton4...]

I don't pick stuff at dog-peeing height - apart from that, I use it all!

I was thinking Great Dane v Miniature Dachsund!

So you're OK with pished-drunk-man-pee height?

If they can pee up the tops of our wild plum trees, without the aid of a ladder, I would be seriously impressed!