The prolonged spell of warm, sunny weather enjoyed throughout the UK this year has resulted in a crop of British apples that will taste sweeter than last year’s batch.
Morrisons growers have reported an increase in the sugar levels, juice content and redness of the skin thanks to the combination of high temperatures and sunshine during June, July and August, resulting in sweeter, tastier British apples. The retailer is also introducing more English apple varieties than ever into its stores, with new additions including Envy, Crimson Crisp and Galmac.
Morrisons will be urging customers to take advantage of this year’s improved crop with in-store promotional material and promotions on customer favourites. The growing conditions are also expected to result in the British apple season being extended this year, meaning customers will be able to enjoy the home-grown fruit for longer. However, the season will be late – around two weeks after it arrived last year.
The first apples of the UK season, Discovery, are now on sale in Morrisons stores. Andrew Garton, Morrisons Director of Produce, said: “The great summer we’ve experienced this year has produced a sweeter tasting crop and our close work with farmers has allowed us to introduce new varieties for our customers to enjoy.”
Adrian Barlow, from English Apples, said: “British apple taste will be very good this year, with sweet flavour, crunchy texture and good levels of juice, and the increase in the range of English apples stocked by Morrisons is great news for their customers. "Growers are still keeping their fingers crossed that the amount of sunshine in September will create good growth of apples in the final weeks of this unusually late season.”
Published 30/08/2013