He said that it had been a challenging season for British apple and pear farmers, with fluctuating weather conditions and the continuing impact of Covid-19, but this year’s apple harvest was expected to be ‘especially delicious’.
In 2020, a staggering 1.6 billion apples and pears (183,000 tonnes) will be picked by hand in British orchards. And, according to the organisation that represents British growers, British Apples & Pears Limited (BAPL), it’s Britain’s hard-working farmers and our unique maritime climate that makes our apples and pears the best tasting in the world.
Blanc, who says he is passionate about British apples and believes they are amongst the finest in the world, has planted his own orchard of 2,500 trees in the grounds of his two Michelin Star restaurant and hotel, Belmond Le Manoir aux Quat’Saisons in Oxfordshire.
He has also produced a new book ‘The Lost Orchard’, which reveals the processes that went into creating this orchard and reconnecting with some incredible British varieties along the way.
He says: “For me, some of the greatest tasting apples in the world are British. The start of the season gives us the perfect opportunity to showcase British apples and pears and to talk about the fantastic varieties available right here on our doorstep.
“I am extremely proud to be working alongside British growers. When we remind people of just how wonderful the humble British apple is, I know everyone will be as excited about British apples as I am.”
Ali Capper, chief executive of BAPL says: “Britain is the greatest apple nation in the world. We have the perfect combination of the ideal maritime climate, centuries of orchard experience and a commitment to innovation that enables our apple and pear varieties to flourish – delivering delicious healthy, home-grown fruit for everyone to enjoy.
“With the weather challenges this year, it may not be the biggest harvest we’ve ever had, but it will certainly be one of the best tasting.
“Chef Blanc is a true titan of Britain’s food scene and the perfect person to remind us all that a British apple a day not only delivers us great health benefits, but it’s supporting British farmers too.”