The first apples from the orchard have been cropping for the last couple of weeks. After extensive research I believe that they are Norfolk Royal “a mid season dessert apple developed in Norfolk in the 1920s.” I suspect they were planted here as they are quite resistant to cold and the tree certainly seems to be happy and growing well.

The apples are quite large and juicy and we have made about 3-4 litres of juice with them so far. They are also good for eating but go off quickly like all early apples. I have also made two apple cakes which went down well.

I plan to identify all the apple types I have in the orchard and also the pears. One type of pear ( probably Williams) is ready to pick now although not fully ripe yet.

The William’s pears were all ripe within a week and too soft 2 days later so the window of opportunity is small.

Norfolk Royal all picked and none left on the tree and the ones that are stored will only be good for another week or so.