Proper Old English Fruit

The Lyth Valley is a picturesque valley on the southern edge of the Lake District National Park, known for its damson orchards and tranquil countryside.  It is known as the Damson Valley to the locals who live there.  The damson trees are in full blossom in the spring and traditionally bear fruit in early September.

 

Damsons have been grown in the Lyth Valley for generations. No one knows precisely how they arrived in south Cumbria (Westmorland in old money) but there are several schools of thought: the first is that the monks from Furness Abbey introduced them; some folk think that the Crusaders returned with them from Damascus  - damson in Latin (Prunum) Damascenum, the 'Plum of Damascus'; damsons were recorded in Roman times and can still be found near ancient Roman sites.  Whatever its origins, the Lyth Valley damson is unique, distinctive and rich in shape as well as flavour.

 

The damson is a proper old English native fruit, smaller than plums, a beautiful deep bluey-purple with a soft white frosty bloom that rubs off when picked.  We add only sugar and water, and slow cook, creating a deep and intense flavour.

 

We make Damson Fruit Cheese (so named as it was historically made in old cheese vats, although this is no longer the case) in two sizes, 100g Damson parcel and a 1kg Damson Brick - all of it a dark purple and luxurious colour which is simply delicious with cheeses (especially blue cheese), pâtés, roast meats and game. 

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We provide local Cheese Shops, Farm Shops, Restaurants and we hope to compete in the Food and Fine Wine Awards in 2026.  

 

If we can supply your business with Damson Fruit Cheese, we'd love to hear from you and discuss your interest and potential requirements.

 

You can reach us by email at info@thelythvalleydamsoncompany.co.uk or leave us a message on 07951 656 781 and we'll get back to you as soon as we can.