Darkes Glenbernie Orchard last month won the Most Successful Fruit Exhibitor at the Camden Show. We are thrilled to showcase our eating, heritage and cider apples and to get an award for so many of them and be recognised for their quality is a big buzz for our family.

We are still harvesting but when we get to the end of harvest we will then turn to making more delicious and new ciders.

This year is going to be most exciting. The orchard is at the forefront of an apple revolution, nurturing Heritage apples hailing from the rolling countryside of England and France.

This pioneering endeavour is not about forgetting the beloved eating apples that have long been a staple of the orchard. Rather it’s an opportunity to broaden horizons, offering a glimpse into the rich tapestry of apple varieties beyond those found on supermarket shelves.

This initiative serves a dual purpose: it diversifies the orchard’s offerings and provides a platform for education on the nuances of apple varieties and their unique profiles. Presently, enthusiasts and curious palates alike can purchase these rare apples directly from the orchard, inviting a personal exploration into the world of distinguished flavours.

For AppleShack farm store visitors, we will shine a spotlight on a “Focus Apple,” alternating between these intriguing new arrivals and time-honoured favourites, fostering adventures in taste and knowledge.

Focus Apple: The Bramley

To kick off April, the Bramley apple takes centre stage as our Focus Apple. Renowned for its remarkable culinary qualities, the Bramley is a true gem among cooking apples, hailing from the heart of England.

Characterised by its large, round squat shape and a skin that’s a lively green, occasionally blushed with red, the Bramley has a strange look in comparison with modern apples. It looks like someone sat on it! Its flesh is white, crisp, and juicy, and when cooked, it transforms into a deliciously fluffy texture with a bit of tart tanginess.

This makes it ideal for pies, crumbles, and sauces, earning it a revered spot in the kitchens of those who know about them. The Bramley’s tart flavour and versatility make this month’s feature an opportunity for food enthusiasts and home chefs to reignite their culinary creativity with a truly heritage-style apple.

Visit us at the farm to try our focus apples and take some home!

Glenbernie Orchard’s appleshack is open daily 10am-4.30pm. Shop online at www.darkes.com.au