At Sheffield Organic Growers, we take pride in growing and harvesting a wide variety of delicious fruits, including apples, pears, plums, and berries, all nurtured right here in our orchards. Our produce is hand-picked, ensuring that each fruit is carefully selected at peak ripeness for maximum flavour and freshness. We are dedicated to organic growing practices, using organic mulch and sustainable methods to enrich the soil naturally. Importantly, our fruits are never sprayed with harmful chemicals, so you can enjoy the full, natural taste of every bite.

All About Apples

Apples are an iconic fruit with a rich history, often associated with ancient civilisations, folklore, and global agriculture. Their domestication can be traced back thousands of years to the mountains of Central Asia. The original wild apple, Malus sieversii, is believed to have been the ancestor of all modern varieties. Apples spread westward through trade routes, eventually reaching Europe, where different cultivars were bred for their distinct flavours, textures, and uses.

Here’s a brief look into some of the many apple varieties we have featured in your veg bags recently:

1. Discovery

• Origins: Bred in Essex, England, around 1949, Discovery is a cross between the Worcester Pearmain and another variety.
• Flavour: Crisp, juicy, and with a refreshing tangy-sweet flavour, Discovery is often one of the first apples of the season, typically harvested in late summer.
• Notes: Its flesh sometimes has a pink tinge, and it’s great for both eating fresh and making juices.

2. Worcester Pearmain

• Origins: Developed in Worcester, England, around 1874, this apple is believed to have come from the Devonshire Quarrenden variety.
• Flavour: Sweet with strawberry-like undertones, it’s a favourite for eating fresh.
• Notes: Known for its attractive red skin, Worcester Pearmain is an early-season apple, typically available from August through September.

3. Epicure

• Origins: Bred in 1901 in Kelso, Scotland, by a head gardener named Reid, it’s a hybrid of the aromatic American Wealthy apple and Worcester Pearmain.
• Flavour: Soft and juicy with a mild sweetness, ideal for eating fresh.
• Notes: This variety ripens early, making it a popular choice for late summer.

4. James Grieve

• Origins: Introduced in 1893 by James Grieve of Edinburgh, this apple became widely grown in the UK due to its versatility.
• Flavour: It starts out sharp and tart but mellows to a sweet, tangy flavour as it ripens.
• Notes: It’s excellent for both eating fresh and cooking, as it holds its shape well when baked.

5. Red Windsor

• Origins: A modern apple developed in the UK, it’s a mutation of the popular Cox's Orange Pippin.
• Flavour: Sweet with a hint of sharpness, Red Windsor retains some of the richness and complexity of Cox’s.
• Notes: It’s resistant to disease and ripens earlier, making it a great addition to early autumn harvests.

Fun Facts about Apples:

• Apples are a member of the rose family, Rosaceae.
• There are over 7,500 known apple varieties, grown in different climates around the world.
• Apples are incredibly versatile and are used for fresh eating, cooking, cider-making, and even vinegar production.
• Did you know apples float because they are made up of 25% air?