Apple picking begins …. slowly

Slowly our Discovery are becoming sweeter and less hard towards the core (which is the last area to ripen).

August rains have been most helpful for both the fruit and our vegetables. The lower temperatures, particularly overnight, are helping to enhance the colour of the apples. Seeing is a bit deceiving just now as when I have sampled various varieties  which are often  approaching readiness at this end of August, there is a distinct distastefulness indicating that the ripening season is slowing down and that  some patience  is needed.

Our Quince have definitely responded to some dampness, their fluffy forms showing beneath the leaves. These can be expected around the end of September.

Culinary apple  varieties are obviously in very short supply here this season.

As for the Ribston Pippin. The 14th September, being a usual date to pick these, falls on a Friday. At the moment I have a hunch they will be staying on their trees until Monday 17th.