The first apples are believed to come from Central Asia, and introduced into the Macedonia region by Alexander the Great, where they were cultivated and improved through selection. Today there are more than 7,500 known types of apples.
Apples peak from August to mid-November, but are available all year long, with a slightly minor production between May and July.
Bramley: Very tart, firm dark green apple with a strong flavour. One of the best apples to cook with, Bramleys turn light and acquire a good texture when cooked.
Cox: Medium sized, with golden yellow and brownish orange skin that is often russeted Tender, crisp and semi-tart.
Egremont Russet: This medium-sized yellow apple is a classic English russet apple from the Victorian era. It has an attractive, dull gold colour flecked with yellow and a good balance between sweetness and sharpness. It’s a popular partner for cheese, and tastes great when cooked with warm spicy flavours.
Elstar: Golden yellow apple with overlaid deep red tones. This juicy and sweet fruit with a honey taste is great for tarte tatin or other desserts.
Spartan: This dark red apple has a beautiful sweet flavour and is best enjoyed fresh.
Jonagold: this bright red apple with a tangy sweet taste makes it the perfect dessert and a delicious addition to your salads.
Worcester: Distinguished by an intense red/crimson flush, early ripening period and strawberry flavour. Ideal for juicing.
An apple can be shiny and bruise-less on the outside, but still damaged inside. Use smell as the main indicator of its freshness. Pick apples with unbroken skins, but don’t shy away from apples with some blemishes, which grow naturally when no pesticides are used.
Apples are less perishable than other fruits but they will lose flavour and juice if stored for too long. Keep refrigerated and remove 30 minutes before eating to bring to room temperature, at which point the apple’s aromas and flavours are fully released. When freezing, first freeze apple slices on a flat layer and then transfer to a vacuum seal bag or container.