The Apple

The first in a new series about the history of fruits begins with the mystical land to which King Arthur was taken to heal his wounds: the Vale of Avalon, known as the “apple valley.” This enchanting location is thought to have been Glastonbury, located in Somerset.

The Roman Influence

Orchards have existed in this area since the first century AD, when the Romans introduced a sweet variety of apple to the country and began to cultivate it by grafting it onto the seedling roots of wild crab-apple trees.

Cultural Significance

Apples have long been highly prized in Britain. The ancient Druids honored the apple tree because it served as a host to their sacred mistletoe. A Saxon coronation benediction even included the petition, “May this land be filled with apples.” During medieval times, monasteries across Devon, Somerset, Gloucestershire, and Hereford maintained apple orchards, as monks relied on them for fruit and cider. At this time, apple cultivation was primarily limited to monks and a few wealthy landowners.

Early Varieties

Two of the oldest named varieties, the Pearmain and the Costard, were mentioned in property deeds from the early 13th century. Ordinary country folk typically had access only to crab-apples, yet they made good use of them. Their acidic juice was added to milk to make it curdle, and crushed fruit was used to treat cuts and bruises. Roasted crab-apples formed the basis of the ale consumed by the people and were also included in the wassail bowl, a drink prepared for All Hallows’ E’en. Shakespeare refers to this in “A Midsummer Night’s Dream” when Puck, recounting his pranks, says: “Sometime lurk I in a gossip’s bowl, in very likeness of a roasted crab.”

The Rise of Sweet Apples

Sweet apples gained popularity after Henry VIII sent his chief fruiterer to France to obtain more cuttings, as few cultivated apples grow from seeds. If apple seeds are planted, they generally revert to crab-apples. However, some notable exceptions like the Granny Smith and Cox’s Orange Pippin have arisen, alongside the Bramley cooking apple.

The Legendary Bramley Apple

In 1805, a little girl planted a pip in her cottage garden in Nottinghamshire. The tree that grew from it bore juicy fruit, and the girl, now a married woman named Mrs. Bramley, shared many cuttings with her neighbors, who subsequently named the fruit after her. Today, there are over three million Bramley Seedling trees in Britain, including the original, which still stands in her cottage garden.

Conclusion

Apples have woven themselves into the fabric of British history and culture, showcasing their significance from ancient times to the present day. Their journey from sacred trees to the quintessential fruit of Britain continues to inspire and delight.

Make sure to secure your copy of Chandamama by placing a regular order with your newsagent.