Apples are one of England’s most popular fruits, yet a whopping 70% of them are imported from abroad, despite our heritage apple orchards being in peril. We literally have thousands of varieties of tasty apples, yet most apples sold in supermarkets are shipped in, covered in shellac (a waxy substance made from dead insects, to make apples look shiny). And often sold in plastic packaging.
Apple chunks are choking hazards for babies and people with swallowing difficulties. Keep pets away from apples due to pips/seeds containing natural cyanide (and recipes that use dried fruits, nutmeg or fresh dough). Read more on keeping people & pets safe in the kitchen.
Always ask permission before feeding apples to equines, as too many cause colic. If you do feed horses a cut up apple as a treat, feed from a flat palm to prevent choking (and discard the core).
why are supermarkets importing non-local apples?
The county of Sussex is home to 30 varieties of apples alone, so why do the big supermarkets mostly import apples, when our heritage orchards are so much in peril? When you investigate, it seems to be that old chestnut of money and profit. A recent report by Sustain, found that UK farmers often get less than 1p profit from their food, compared to imports from abroad.
A House of Lords enquiry found that some apple growers are now refusing to sell to supermarkets, due to their profits being squeezed.
A quick look at the website of a major supermarket finds 3 brands of organic apples on sale, all in plastic packaging. All sold at around £2.50 for 4 to 6 apples, depending on the ones chosen:
- The Gala apples are from New Zealand
- The Pink Lady apples say ‘produce from .. and then leaves the country blank
- The ‘seasonal apples’ are British, but reviews say many arrived rotten
how to buy, store & prepare apples
As apple skin produces ethylene gas, store them in an airtight container in the fridge, to prevent them going brown (or being damaged by rolling around on countertops).
The main types of apples that you’ll find in shops are:
- Royal Gala is the most popular. It has a crispy bite and is very sweet, with a stripy red skin.
- Russet apples are light brown with ‘cream freckles’ and are very sweet. These are quite similar to pears, and lovely with vegan cheese.
- Cox apples have good bite, and a honey aroma
- Bramley apples are green and tart, best for cooking.
- Braeburn are actually native to New Zealand, but now grow here widely.
Did you know that the Core Blimey apple was commissioned by the Orchard Project after a national competition? A local dessert apple, this is similar to a Cox apple but bred to be more disease-tolerant so is easier to grow organically.
why local organic apples are better
Compare this to Riverford, an online organic veg box scheme whose founder campaigns for better prices for local farmers. Yes they cost a little more, but these apples are tasty, organic, local and in season (out of season they ship-freight from abroad). And they sell for taste, not looks. These apples cost £3.90 but you even get to know the (Kent) farmer who grew them. Delivered fresh from the farm, so wash before eating.
Abel & Cole also sells organic apples online. These are grown by a couple who grow both organic apples (and walnuts) on a farm in Herefordshire (their orchards grow Bramley, russets and red pippin apples).
grow your own local apple trees
You can buy apple trees at Tree 2 My Door, sent in sustainable packaging and with full growing instructions. The range includes a dwarf apple trees that is low-maintenance and ideal for small gardens.
Visit The Orchard Project for help on setting up or restoring a community orchard, to provide free fruits and nuts for local people.
Use no-dig methods and fruit protection bags (over netting) to help wildlife. And learn how to make your garden safe for pets (use safe humane slug/snail deterrents). For indoor growing, never face indoor foliage to gardens (to help stop birds flying into windows).
