WITH Hallowe’en fast approaching, a supermarket chain has revealed which British apples are the best for 'bobbing' - and it's good news for a variety grown here in Herefordshire.

A study, commissioned by the Co-operative group, compared attributes considered core to apple bobbing performance by pressure-testing the softness of the flesh and given consideration to the size, shape, buoyancy, density and stability of the fruit in the water.

And the research concluded that the Spartan apple - grown at Tillington Estates near Ledbury - pipped the Royal Gala (second) and Cox’s Orange Pippin (third) to be awarded the “best for bobbing” title.

The Spartan, which was introduced into the UK in the mid-1930’s, are now to be displayed as “best for bobbing” in selected Co-operative food stores.

Sarah Eldridge, the Co-op’s apple buyer, said: “Bringing an Apple to school perhaps conjures up thoughts of technology among many pupils these days and, in an interesting twist, the Spartan is derived from the McIntosh apple.

“The Co-op works with growers and suppliers to ensure great tasting fresh produce in our stores and, with so many people enjoying apple bobbing at Hallowe’en, we were all keen to establish the best home-grown variety for this quintessentially British game.

“Various techniques were displayed, making waves in the bowl and pushing the apple to edge of the water however, it was found that the key to apple bobbing success lies with the choice of apple and with its soft flesh, medium size and buoyancy, the Spartan dessert apple enjoyed the sweet taste of victory.”

Adrian Barlow, chief executive of English Apples and Pears Ltd - which represents apple growers throughout the UK, said it was a "great initiative".

"While there are many superb British varieties available at this time of the year – some old, some new – the Spartan has long been popular for bobbing.

"The findings reaffirm that the Spartan apple really is at its best around Hallowe’en with the combination of its sweet, clean and crisp taste and, just the right amount of juice, making it a popular choice.”

The research was led by Christina McGhie, Head of Science at the Co-operative Academy, Leeds, and involved almost 200 Year 8, 9, and 10 students who got their teeth into a series of experiments designed to put popular British seasonal varieties to the test.