No, we haven’t become forgetful. We know we shone the VegBox spotlight on apples already. But we think it’s fair to say that Bramleys are such a gem in their own right, and quite possibly the jewel in the British fruit crown, and that they deserve a solo-curtain call.
So we contacted the British Bramley Apple Information Service for the low-down, and we marshalled together classic and modern Bramley recipes to tantalise you with.
Enjoy!
When Are Bramleys In Season?
Bramleys come into season in late September or early October and last through until around March.
Bramley History
1809 the first Bramley tree grew from pips planted by a young girl, Mary Ann Brailsford, in her garden in Southwell in Nottinghamshire. Which means that 2009 is the Bramley Apple Bicentennary!
Years later, in 1846, a local butcher, Matthew Bramley, bought Ms Brailsford’s cottage and garden, and it was in 1856 that a local nurseryman, Henry Merryweather, asked if he could take cuttings from the tree and start to sell the apple. Bramley agreed, but insisted the apple should bear his name – hence ‘Bramley’s Seedling’.
In 1900, disaster struck when the original Bramley tree blew down during violent storms. However, the tree somehow survived and is still bearing fruit more than 100 years later.
Bramleys for Health
Bramley apples are a source of antioxidants, flavonoids, and vitamin C, as well as a good source of fibre and potassium.
Buying Bramleys
As with all apples, we recommend chooising organic or else peeling them, as apples are one of the most heavily sprayed crops.
Storing Bramleys
Bramleys can be kept for months if individually wrapped in newspaper and kept somewhere cool and dark.
Freezing Bramleys
Only after cooking – or they can be dried in slices in the oven.
Cooking Bramleys
Yes, the bit you’re all really here for!
Here are those essential and traditional recipes for Bramley and Blackberry Crumble and Bramley Apple Sauce, plus a recipe for Bramley, Cox and Celeriac Bake.
What will you be making with Bramleys?
(Thanks to the British Bramley Apple Information Service for the photo.)
Categories: food, fruit, seasonal eating
