Michelle Darmody: How to bake my ginger and damson cake — and mistakes to avoid

"Damsons were first introduced to the country by monks during the Norman period. People of the time were said to make a ‘fruit cheese’ from the damsons which sounds a little like a Spanish membrillo."

"Damsons grow wild in many parts of the country and have long been associated with Irish food lore."

Plums, such as damsons, sit side by side with ginger in the classic jam combination, the ginger bringing a hint of warmth throughout the winter months as the jam is spread on hot buttered toast. 

Damsons are small ovoid plums, with an elongated shape and a dusty hue covering the deep inky purple skin.