Identifying Sloes at this time of year

[Two_Sheds]

.....Any cut you get from Black Thorn (sloe bush) is likely to be infected.

what's the reasoning behind this? (seriously interested). Like Alison, I get scratched every year, even with gloves on

[Farmer_Gyles]

whatever the reason, it's good that there's some sensible advice for foragers!

[veggiechicken]

Found this article http://www.bjj.boneandjoint.org.uk/c...3/474.full.pdf

[chris]

I haven't seen any green sloes yet and I know where there are lots of sloe bushes that had plenty of blossom this year.

Madam, we appear to have a date

[veggiechicken]

Madam, we appear to have a date

You only want me for my sloes

[Alison]

Found this article http://www.bjj.boneandjoint.org.uk/c...3/474.full.pdf

Interesting read but not something I've ever heard of although it does seem they were quite worried about it in the West Midlands in the mid 60s

[marchogaeth]

Interesting read but not something I've ever heard of although it does seem they were quite worried about it in the West Midlands in the mid 60s

My source was the local on call GP after I had a close call with a black thorn thorn. She said they get several cases each year, some more serious than others. She said sometimes the reaction is just red and itchy but other times it can be much worse even causing hospitalisation. I have no reason to doubt what she said; thinking about it afterwards I can see that I always have some reaction to a blackthorn scratch even if it is only redness and itching. My own "worse" red line went from the knuckle on my index finger up my arm for about 8-10 inches before it was stopped - hence my conversation.

I realise my post might look a bit heavy (bigged up) and I appologise if that's the case. I just thought the "slightly less initiated should be warned" and should maybe not have trie dto do it in quite such a hurry as I did.


Edit:- Also wanted to say I struggled to find the correct word for "infected".

[Paulottie]

Well My best one was a thorn strait through the flip flop after hacking back the blackthorn in France....hurt a lot.....I said 'Bother'..... quite loudly and was hobbling (with little perceptible family sympathy) for a couple of days.

I have to say that I too get fairly scratched up at sloe picking time They do tend to be nasty.... like rose thorns and I agree you should definitely seek help if redness spreads....but let's be a bit optimistic here...you'll probably be okay and not need an amputation!

[Two_Sheds]

So the choice seems to be: amputation or sloe gin



I'll take the gin


(being flippant: take sensible precautions, ie always wash your hands after gardening /before eating)

[Alison]

I realise my post might look a bit heavy (bigged up) and I appologise if that's the case. I just thought the "slightly less initiated should be warned" and should maybe not have trie dto do it in quite such a hurry as I did.

No worries, I was just surprised that there was a particular risk as I'd never heard of it - but to be honest I don't know why I'm every surprised seeing as there are so many things that I've not heard of

[marchogaeth]

Phew! Well I logged on this morning thinking I should just delete the original post since the last thing I wanted was a) a protracted exchange of words or b) to have really put up the wrong info.

So thanks for the last three posts. Yes, perspective and I'll be a bit more circumspect about posting "scary stuff" when tired and in a hurry!

Bramble whisky for me! (I do still pick sloes but am really vigilant about any scratches).

[chris]

You only want me for my sloes

That's not true in the slightest! I value our friendship....








and your apples, pears, plums, leeks, big garden and baby sitting!

[chris]

Oh man. Why did I have to read the PDF link above whilst eating? Lovely picture of the tendon

[veggiechicken]

That's not true in the slightest! I value our friendship....

and your apples, pears, plums, leeks, big garden and baby sitting!

And I your sneakiness

[veggiechicken]

Oh man. Why did I have to read the PDF link above whilst eating? Lovely picture of the tendon

Serve you right - was it Shredded wheat?