Hereford apples and pears for autumn (From Hereford Times)

Hereford apples and pears for autumn

4:52pm Wednesday 12th October 2011 in Food & Drink

APPLES in Britain are harvested each autumn, so now is the season to really enjoy Herefordshire apples and pears, freshly picked. You can buy great bag fulls at Herefordshire farmers’ markets. Old Sandlin Fruit or Court Farm offer plenty of varieties, among them Herefordshire russet, sparten, and Charles Ross. With the apple grower on hand at the stall, you can get excellent advice on how to store them.

On October 20 there is the first ever Herefordshire Apple Pie and Pear Crumble competition. Sponsored by Hereford City Events and the Flavours of Herefordshire Food Festival, it is a celebration of what makes our county so special each autumn. Prizes in both categories are a magnificent hamper of local produce provided by the Herefordshire Farmers’ Market Group.

Judges are looking for great flavour and creativity in traditional apple pies – other ingredients may be used as long as apples are at least 60 per cent. For the pear crumbles, judges will look at appearance, topping, flavour and creativity. At least 60 peer cent must be pears.

You must register to enter and the closing date is tomorrow (Friday). For full terms and conditions contact the city events officer on 07837 641857 or email herefordcityevents @hotmail.co.uk.