Crossword Genius

Now and then sell one fruit (4)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

sloe

'fruit' is the definition.
(I've seen this before)

'now and then sell one' is the wordplay.
'now and then' indicates alternate letters (letters taken on a regular basis, now and then).
'sell'+'one'='sellone'
The alternating letters of 'sellone' are 'SLOE'.

(Other definitions for sloe that I've seen before include "Fruit of the blackthorn does't sound fast" , "Musical study" , "Fruit often used for gin" , "Blackthorn, used in making a type of gin" , "Wild plum" .)

I've seen this clue in The Daily Mail.
Want a hint initially instead of a full solution? Install my app