30 Sep An Apple A Day
The saying goes ‘an apple a day keeps the doctor away’ but did you know that in October there’s a whole day dedicated to this fruit and it’s imaginatively been called Apple Day!
Apple Day is on 21st October and has been celebrated for the last 28 years. It was originally launched in 1990 by a charity called Common Ground. Based in Dorset, their work involves conservation, environmental education and encouraging people to connect with nature and feel responsible for their local environment.
Common Ground’s aim when they initiated the first Apple Day to not only celebrate this crop but to also bring awareness of varieties of apples that were at danger of being lost. They felt that this loss would have a detrimental effect on the richness of our landscape and culture too. Their aims are very much in line with efforts to encourage people to eat local and seasonal produce. Raising an awareness of home-grown apples and the danger of some of these varieties disappearing if the correct farming practice isn’t adopted has led people involved in Apple Day to ask the same questions about other produce they get from the supermarket. Where was the crop grown? How was the crop grown?
The ethos behind Apple Day is great and as well as education the day if a great occasion to really celebrate and icon of British produce! The first Apple Day celebration was particularly iconic as fruit was brought to Covent Garden’s Apple Market for the first time in 16 years. Over the years participants have enjoyed tasting the diverse range of apples the UK has to offer at Apple Day events. Coming in autumn, the celebration has often been tied in with celebrations of harvest. One of the many organisations that has been heavily involved in marking the occasion over the past 18 years is the National Trust. You can find out more about events the National Trust will be putting on to mark Apple Day here.
To prepare yourself for Apple Day this year we’re giving you the low down on 3 types of apple grown in the UK. We’ve gone for 3 types that are in season and can be enjoyed now so have a read, get crunching and choose your October favourite!
Bramley Apple
First up is the Bramley Apple. We’re sure you’ve heard of this one as it’s not that obscure. In case you didn’t know, the Bramley Apple is a flatter apple and usually green but sometimes it has specks of red also. It’s best not to bite straight into these as they’re cooking apples so they’re very bitter when raw. You can cook these apples whole, serve them when they’re still warm with some ice cream, the hot and cold combination is perfect!
Egremont Russet
You wouldn’t be wrong in thinking the Egremont Russet sounds a bit posher than it’s Bramley cousin as the Russet was named after the Earl of Egremont who cultivated them back in the 19th century. You are safe to bite into these apples and they are known for being firm, crisp, juicy and for their nutty flavour!
Cox
Lastly it’s another household name, the Cox Apple. This classic has a beautiful orange red tone and has been credited for its complex flavours, making other apples seem one-dimensional! They are widely available in supermarkets so make sure this Apple Day you get some and try them out for yourself!
If you’re interested in discovering more about the diversity of the British Apple Crop this Apple Day then why not organise an event with Chef’s Compliments? We can incorporate the best of British apples into a dinner party menu for you to enjoy different varieties in both savoury and sweet dishes. We can also help you organise private cooking lessons where you can make a range of dishes using different types of British grown apples.
To organise your Apple Day event with us simply get in touch today!
