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.

Heritage varieties of apples collected in a wooden tray - Credit-NTPL / William-Shaw.

Research shows that although more than half of us, 53%, crunch into an apple each week. However, 41% 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% of adults wrongly guessed that the Granny Smith is grown on UK soil, when it originates from Australia. Similarly, almost a quarter of people (23%) 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 our 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 chose and enjoy home grown varieties throughout the day. We need more people to choose British and help protect our orchards. 70 % of apples bought in the UK are imported and this must change.”

The survey also showed that  a quarter 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.”

Research sources

Some data supplied by YouGov Plc.  Total sample size was 2000 adults. Fieldwork was undertaken between 1 to 4 July 2011.  The survey was carried out online. The figures have been weighted and are representative of all GB adults (aged 18+).

Additional data supplied by Campaign for Real Farming; http://www.campaignforrealfarming.org/2010/06/community-orchards/

The Bramley's Seedling apple is a triploid, raised around 1809 - 1813 by Mary Ann Brailsford in Southwell, Nottinghamshire, England.

Bramley's Seedling

It was introduced by Nurseyman H. Merryweather in 1865 and first exhibited in 1876, receiving a First Class certificate from the Royal Horticultural Society in 1893.

By far the most popular culinary apple in the UK and the variety most often found on supermarket shelves.

The fruit is a green/yellow with a strong acid flavour.  A vigorous grower.

Uses: Culinary
Parents: Unknown
Flowers: Mid May
Picking: October
Natural Storage: October to March.

The Bramley's seedling apple can be found growing in the orchards of Acorn Bank House, Temple Sowerby, Cumbria.
Young trees available from Adams Apples