A Kent grower is claiming a breakthrough in the attempt to grow green apples in the UK.
The new apple, called Greenstar, was initially developed in Belgium over a ten-year period and is now being grown in Kent exclusively by Adrian Scripps Ltd.
A cross between a Granny Smith and a Delcorf, the new variety is being hailed as the first commercial, crunchy green apple to come from UK orchards in 30 years. It is set to go on sale in Tesco from next month.
James Simpson, md of Adrian Scripps, said after a few years of trials the company began full commercial planting last year and now have 35,000 trees.
“We’re expecting to have 300 tonnes to market this year and over the next four years hope to expand that to 2,000t,” he said.
“The problem for growers is that when it comes to green apples, there’s not really been a variety that grows in our climatic conditions.”
He said previous attempts at a green variety had failed to hit the right notes with either consumers or retailers.
The apple is similar in appearance to a Granny Smith and Simpson said it is very juicy and crunchy.
“It’s also very high in vitamin c, more than other apples, and as a result it doesn’t discolour when you cut it. There are opportunities there in the prepared sector as it doesn’t need anything adding to maintain its colour. It has a lot of potential.”
He said the market for green apples was increasing again and Greenstar could help grow the market.
“We don’t want to be competing with the likes of Granny Smith initially, we want it to increase the sales of green apples overall.”
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