13 September 2011
The National Trust has revealed that despite the UK being a nation of apple
lovers, the majority of Britons cannot identify home grown varieties. The
charity is urging people to 'take the right bite' this Autumn to make the
most of the unique British flavours available and help save UK orchards.
Research* shows that although more than half of respondents (53 per cent)
crunch into an apple each week, and almost a quarter (24 per cent) of
Britons who eat apples enjoy eating apples because they can buy home grown
varieties, 41 per cent of people who eat apples find it difficult to pick
out British grown apples.
While British grown varieties such as the Bramley, Cox Orange Pippin and
Egremont Russet are recognised by some apple eaters, 61 per cent of adults
wrongly guessed that the Granny Smith is grown in the UK when it originates
from Australia. Similarly, almost a quarter of people (23 per cent) thought
that the Pink Lady is grown in the UK.
As part of its Food Glorious Food campaign, the National Trust has launched
its guide 'How to eat an apple' to encourage people to buy British grown
apples and help ensure the UK's apple heritage is preserved.
Fiona Reynolds, Director General at the National Trust said: "British apples
are now being harvested and we're spoilt for choice with local flavours.
Whether it's the rich, sweet Cox, or the nutty Egremont Russet we urge
everyone to choose and enjoy home grown varieties throughout the day. We
need more people to choose British and help protect our orchards. 70 per
cent of apples bought in the UK are imported** and this must change."
The survey showed that 68 per cent of people who eat apples enjoy eating
them for their juicy, crunchy texture and 40 per cent for their convenience,
with nine per cent even going as far as eating the core. Yet 25 per cent of
adults are put off apples by them turning brown as they start to eat the
flesh and a quarter (25 per cent) of 18-24 year olds do not eat apples at
all.
Rachel Brewer, Pommelier for the National Trust, said: "It's been another
fantastic year for apples, all thanks to our unusually hot Spring, which has
meant apple blossom has been able to set earlier. There's such a variety of
UK apples ready for picking at the moment; Early Worcester, is a great
eating apple and Tom Putt, perfect for cider, but also a very good juice
apple too. My favourite is the Ten Commandments, a bright red, really sweet
apple which goes brilliantly with blue cheese and port."
Masterchef co-presenter and apple fan, Gregg Wallace says: "There are
hundreds of apple varieties on these beautiful islands of ours, all colours,
all shapes, and many flavours. Nothing but an apple has the unique
combination of soft sweetness, refreshing acidity and crunch."
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