Discover the best of British…

The British apple season is upon us and it’s time to enjoy some fantastic flavours fresh from the tree.

New in this week are the outstanding Discovery Apples. They range in size and colour but that’s all part of their Great British charm. Rosy cheeked and with a hint of tartness, they are absolutely packed with flavour, crunch and refreshing juice.

They were ‘discovered’ in the late 1940s by a fruit farm woker who planted some pips of Worcester Pearmain (a 19th century variety) crossed probably with Beauty of Bath. As a seedling the Worcester Pearmain strawberry tinged apples, this explains the Discovery’s occasional hint of beautiful strawberry flavour.

Find out more about Discovery apples here.

Discovery Apple Salad with Walnuts

Serves 4
5 large Discovery apples or 8 smaller ones
2 handfuls shelled walnuts
2 bunches mache
2 bunches red chard
350g Stichelton
2 tbsp white wine vinegar
1 tbsp red wine vinegar
1/2 tsp dijon mustard
pinch of sugar
2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
1 finely diced shallot
pinch of salt and freshly ground black pepper

To make the vinaigrette, whisk together the 2 vinegars in a small bowl with the mustard and a pinch of sugar. Add the oil in a slow stream, whisking constantly until emulsified. Stir in the shallots and add a pinch of salt and some freshly ground black pepper.

Core the apples and cut into rough chunks. Mix with the leaves and walnuts, then dress with vinaigrette. Finish with some nice chunks of Stichelton.