The Big Apple

It is amazing how the Apple is used to symbolise that which is desirable. From the city of New York to the Fruit of the Knowledge of Good and Evil with which Eve tempted Adam, to the claim that "an apple a day keeps the doctor away". And how about "You are the Apple of my Eye!" So much folklore surrounds this fabulous fruit, and righlty so.

Every garden needs at least one Apple tree, no matter how small it is. But before coming into the nursery, or ordering online, give some thought to the following factors.

First consider what size will suit your garden best in terms of height and spread. Although size can be controlled by pruning, there are varieties that have been specially bred to be kept small. The size of the tree is determined by the rootstock - the lower part of the tree onto which the different varieties are grafted.

Then you must consider what type of flavour you want in your apples - and this is largely a matter of personal preference. Do you want a sweet dessert apple or a tart cooking apple for apple pies and cakes? Do you like your dessert apples crisp and crunchy or soft and chewy? When do you want to harvest your apples? Do you fancy glowing green or radiant red apples, or a combination of the two, or a golden yellow? So many things to consider - in this day and age we are really spoiled for choice!

And with current grafting techniques, even if we only have space for one apple tree, we can still have two or three varieties - yes - two or three different apples on a single tree!

Apple trees are extremely adaptable and can be grown in a variety of shapes. The key factor to think about here is the space you have available in your garden and to choose a shape that will fit the space best. The principal shapes grown today are:

• Cordon - a single trunk, grown diagonally, with shortened side branches - for very small spaces

• Columnar - a single trunk, grown vertically, usually in a container 

• Espalier - decorative, flat pruning - for narrow areas against fences or walls

Bush - open, vase shape for small to medium size gardens

• Standard - for medium to large gardens

For information on how to prune an apple tree, click here.

Having given some serious thought to the se1ection of your apple tree, you will be ready to venture forth to Wairere where we will answer any remaining questions you may have. You can then go home with a tree or two from which you will derive great health and enjoyment and which, in all probability, will outlive you and become part of your legacy!

We have a whole heap of Apple trees in stock at the moment. Check out our Apple page.

Baked Apple Cake a la Alexander

This is a really easy and totally delicious cake that Alexander has perfected. Served warm with some whipped cream or yoghurt, it is totally scrumptious!

Ingredients

2 Apples- tart varieties are preferable
15g Butter
Cinnamon - a generous pinch
3 Eggs
150g All purpose flour
5g Baking Powder
150g Sugar
50g Sultanas

*100ml Stock Syrup
5g Coffee sugar crystals

*Stock syrup

Boil together100ml water and 100g  sugar until sugar has dissolved and liquid has been  reduced a little.

Method

Peel, slice and cook the apples in their own juice, allow to cool before adding the cinnamon and sultanas.

1. Cream the butter and sugar until white
2. Gradually incorporate the eggs
3. Fold in sifted flour/baking powder, do not over-mix
4. Stir in the cooled apples and sultanas and place into a lined cake tin
5. Bake in a preheated oven at 185ºC for 35 - 40 minutes
6. Just before it is done, brush on the stock syrup and sprinkle over the top with coffee crystals. Bake for another 5 - 10 minutes.