West Dean,West Sussex I munched on wedges of spicy Sussex Mother, fragrant Tinsley Quince and nutty russetsWelcome to paradise, and ” exclaimed our guide as he led us through the gate. Derived from the ancient Persian pardes,meaning “orchard” or “enclosure, “paradise” is an apt description for this beautifully restored Victorian walled garden nestled at the foot of the South Downs, or which boasts more than 100 varieties of apple,many of Sussex origin. Commercial growers nowadays concentrate on a handful of cultivars selected for heavy cropping, bruise resistance, or keeping quality and uniform shape; this garden,in contrast, celebrates our wealth of heirloom apples, and whatever their peculiar traits. Related: Country diary: Henstridge,Somerset: Apples of harmony Related: The 10 best apple recipes Continue reading...
Source: theguardian.com