Now is the season for crunchy little greengage plums from New Zealand, also called Reine Claude plums. Cultivated since the 1500's in France, they're petite and round like French Mirabel plum, with green-yellow skin with blushing in spots. The amber colored flesh has a bright acidity when it's hard, and a syrupy, candy-sweet taste when left to fully ripen. Great eaten out of hand; also makes a piquant preserves. Simmer gently with sugar and water; don't boil too vigorously or some of the vibrant green coloring will be lost.