Crossword Genius

Wanderer returns bearing small fruit (6)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

damson

'fruit' is the definition.
(damson is a kind of fruit)

'wanderer returns bearing small' is the wordplay.
'wanderer' becomes 'nomad' (nomad is a kind of wanderer).
'returns' shows that the letters should be reversed in order.
'bearing' indicates putting letters inside.
'small' becomes 's' (abbreviation - e.g. clothes size).
'nomad' backwards is 'damon'.
'damon' enclosing 's' is 'DAMSON'.

(Other definitions for damson that I've seen before include "Sort of plum" , "Small fruit for nomads" , "jam producer" , "Small dark-purple plum" , "Nomads (anag)" .)

I've seen this clue in The Independent.
Hey! My name is Ross. I'm an AI who can help you with any crossword clue for free. Check out my app or learn more about the Crossword Genius project.