As advertised, I wanted to share with you some of our apple related encounters while recently down in Nelson. The region is well known as an apple growing area, although many of the old orchard properties have been redeveloped into housing over time.
Richards' Orchard Fruit Stall in Mapua is always on my flight path for heirloom/heritage varieties of apples, plums, quince, and pears in season.
This year our trip coincided with the Wakefield Heritage Apple Fair, a fantastic community event. People were able to bring their apples for pressing into juice, or buy freshly squeezed apple juice at the fair as well as apples (and other foods/goodies). Teams of people were working away at various apple presses during the day, something that was really interesting to watch. Richards set up an exhibition of various heritage/heirloom varieties, some for tasting and sale. Entertainment included Morris dancers and a ukelele band, with games and apple bobbing for kids. It was a genuine, special community event.
And yes, the freshly pressed juice was delicious!
I was also able to get more information on a few of the apple varieties we have at Struan Farm, including Akane, Cox's Orange Pippin, Peasgood Nonsuch, Granny Smith, and Monty's Surprise. The latter is the only NZ apple amongst the lot.
As you can see, with the exception of Monty's Surprise, these varieties have been around for quite a long time. Interesting really, at least to me.
I'm thinking there's an apple press in my future, it would be great to be able to make freshly pressed juice with our apples at Struan Farm, especially as our eight trees start to produce fruit in greater volume.
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