When are new season Bramley apples picked?
This varies from year to year, but usually happens around August or September, depending on location.
Where are the bulk of Bramley apples grown in the UK?
The majority of Bramley apples are grown in the South East and the East Midlands as well as in Northern Ireland. However, Bramleys can be grown in most parts of the United Kingdom.
How many Bramley apples do we consume in the UK?
Each year in the UK we eat around 100 million fresh Bramley apples and 250 million Bramley apples that have been processed.
Why is it possible to buy Bramley apples all year round, I thought they were seasonal?
Bramleys are available all year round as they are picked in August/September and then cold stored through the year to provide a constant supply to allow consumers to enjoy them year round.
Why are Bramley apples so good to cook with?
Bramley apples are unique because they contain a higher malic acid content and lowerugar levels to produce a stronger, tangier tasting apple whose flavour is retained during and after cooking. Bramleys are also unique in producing a ‘melt in the mouth’ moist texture when cooked because they have a relatively high water content.
Where do Bramleys come from?
The first Bramley tree grew from pips planted by a young girl, Mary Ann Brailsford, in her garden in Southwell, Nottinghamshire, England in 1809.
What is the best way to store Bramley apples?
Storing Bramleys in a cool, dry place, out of direct sunlight will help to maintain their quality.
We have an old Bramley apple tree, should we take any special measures to protect it?
Always cut out the dead wood and prune the tree correctly to allow sufficient light into the middle of the tree. Dropped leaves should be collected every Autumn as they can harbour disease. The tree should also be fed each year. For more advice visit your local nursery or contact the Royal Horticultural Society (www.rhs.org.uk).
Is there demand for Bramley apples outside the UK and are they exported?
There is a demand for Bramleys from customers outside the UK, mainly through people who have come to know and love Bramleys through living in Britain. Very small quantities of fresh and processed Bramley apples are exported, as they are not well known outside Britain.
Could you tell me if Bramley apples can be frozen and, if so, how do you freeze them?
Bramley apples freeze well. They can be frozen cooked or uncooked. If you wish to freeze cooked apples, cook the Bramleys (sugar can be added to taste) until they are soft and fluffy, then cool and freeze the puree in quantities ready to be used. The puree can be used for up to nine months after freezing. To freeze uncooked apples, peel and slice 500g of Bramley apples and drizzle with the juice of a lemon, mixed with a little water. The apples should be packed into freezer bags, the air removed and tied tightly then labelled and deep frozen. The apples should be thawed thoroughly before use.
Are Bramley apples good for my health?
Many reputable universities and institutes in different countries have undertaken research which has claimed to show benefits from eating apples for a wide range of illnesses and disorders in humans. However, in order to prevent spurious claims, no health or nutritional benefit can now be claimed unless it has been approved by the EC. This has necessitated a detailed investigation of the evidence supporting every claim and many claims are still being investigated.
The following claims for apples are those which have been approved by the EC – other claims may or may not be approved in the future.
- Apples are naturally fat free
- Apples are a low fat food
- Apples are saturated fat free
- Apples contain only naturally occurring sugars, with no added sugar
- Apples are a high source of fibre
- Apples are naturally sodium free
- Apples are naturally salt free
- Apples contain fructose