A Guide to this Season's Apples

One of the joys of shopping seasonally is discovering that not all apples are created equal.

At Macknade, we're fortunate to source many of our apples directly from Kentish growers, meaning the varieties on our shelves change with the harvest. Yes there are the Braeburns, the Pink Ladies and the Galas, but the end of the summer harvest bring so much more. Rather than offering the same handful of apples all year round, we celebrate the season as it unfolds welcoming early varieties in August before later favourites arrive throughout autumn.

Many of these apples are picked just a short distance from our Food Hall, from growers such as G.H Dean. Some are wonderfully crisp and refreshing, others rich and aromatic, while a few truly come into their own once baked into a pie or paired with a wedge of mature cheddar.

Here's our guide to some of the varieties you may discover at Macknade during this year's orchard harvest.

Discovery: The first taste of autumn

What better place to start than with Discovery. If one apple announces the arrival of the British harvest, it's this one.

Usually one of the first apples to be ready each year, Discovery is loved for its crisp bite, juicy texture and naturally sweet flavour, with subtle notes that some compare to fresh strawberries.

It's at its very best eaten fresh, making it a perfect lunchbox apple or an afternoon snack. It also shines on a cheeseboard, where its sweetness complements tangy, mature cheeses.

Flavour
Sweet, juicy and lightly aromatic.

Pairs beautifully with
Mature Cheddar, Wensleydale or a creamy goat's cheese.

Worcester Pearmain: Something a little different

Dating back to the 19th century, Worcester Pearmain has remained a favourite thanks to its wonderfully aromatic flavour.

With hints of strawberry and a delicate sweetness, it's a fantastic apple for eating fresh and a brilliant introduction to heritage varieties.

Its softer texture also makes it lovely sliced into fruit salads or served alongside cured meats.

Flavour
Sweet, floral and lightly perfumed.

Pairs beautifully with
Prosciutto, soft cheeses and honey.

Egremont Russet: The cheeseboard champion

At first glance, Egremont Russet doesn't look like a typical apple.

Its rough, golden-brown skin might appear unusual, but beneath it lies one of Britain's most distinctive flavours. Firm, dense and gently nutty, it's an apple that rewards those willing to look beyond appearances.

If you're putting together an autumn cheeseboard, this is the variety we'd recommend reaching for first.

Flavour
Nutty, rich and subtly sweet.

Pairs beautifully with
Mature Cheddar, Stilton, walnuts and sweet onion chutney.

Cox's Orange Pippin: The best first bite

Often regarded as one of the finest eating apples ever grown, Cox's Orange Pippin has been a British favourite for generations.

Its perfectly balanced sweetness and acidity give it an incredibly complex flavour that's difficult to match. While delicious eaten fresh, it also works beautifully in salads and light desserts where its aromatic character can shine.

Flavour
Rich, aromatic and perfectly balanced.

Pairs beautifully with
Farmhouse Cheddar, Brie and toasted hazelnuts.

Bramley: The baker's favourite

Unlike the other apples on this list, Bramley is rarely eaten raw and that's exactly what makes it special.

As it cooks, its firm flesh softens into the fluffy texture that has made it Britain's favourite cooking apple for well over a century. Its sharp flavour mellows beautifully during baking, creating crumbles, pies and sauces with real depth.

If you're planning your first apple crumble of the season, this is the variety to choose.

Flavour
Sharp when raw, mellow and fruity when cooked.

Pairs beautifully with
Cinnamon, cloves, vanilla and rich pork dishes.

Visit us during the harvest

One of the pleasures of seasonality is that no two weeks are quite the same.

As the harvest progresses, different varieties arrive from our Kentish growers, each with its own flavour, texture and story. Some may only be available for a short time before making way for the next variety, so there's always something new to discover.

If you're not sure which apple to choose, our team will be delighted to help.

After all, the best way to experience the orchard harvest is to taste it for yourself!