, grown in temperate areas. They are known for their rich, confectionery flavour that causes them to be considered one of the finest dessert plums. History and etymology Sources attribute the origin of the name Greengage variably to several members of the Gage family. One account states that the cultivar was brought into England by the Rev. John Gage who obtained them from the Chartreuse Monastery. "Greengage" at Bartleby.com which provides the text from Brewer, E. Cobham. Dictionary of Phrase a… (More on Greengage)