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Opal is probably the best-flavoured early plum variety - indeed it is sometimes called a gage-like plum thanks to the excellence of its flavour.  However the flavour depends crucially on developing sugars during the short growing period, and in the UK and northern Europe Opal really benefits from being grown against a south-facing wall or in a sunny aspect.  In less favourable situations it will still give good crops but with a less intense flavour.

The fruit is medium-sized, coloured dusky red with a heavy bloom, becoming blue when overripe.  The plums ripen over a period of about 1-2 weeks, so you don't have to deal with a glut.  The flesh is straw-yellow and fairly juicy.  Opal is a free-stone plum - the stone falls away easily from the flesh.  If picked on a warm July day and placed in a fruit bowl Opal also has a wonderful aroma.

Recommended because it is easy to grow in a variety of climates and provides good quality plums early in the season - but to get the full flavour it is essential to thin the crop, and to plant in a sunny aspect.