Vithanage Erandi Kawshalya Madhushani Jade Times Staff
V.E.K. Madhushani is a Jadetimes news reporter covering Innovation.
A Hidden Orchard of History
Preserving the Past: A Journey Through the UK's Apple Library
Nestled in the rolling fields of Kent, England, lies a treasure trove of horticultural history a living library of apples that tells the story of Britain's deep rooted love affair with the fruit. With over 2,000 apple varieties growing on 4,000 trees, the National Fruit Collection safeguards the genetic legacy of apples long forgotten by the world of commercial farming. Here, apples are more than fruit they are living links to history, science, and culture.
A Hidden Orchard of History
In the picturesque fields of Faversham, Kent, hedges of hazel and ivy separate orchards bursting with life. The National Fruit Collection is not just about apples; quinces, medlars, and pears also thrive here. However, the true stars are the apples unique, flavorful, and sometimes bearing whimsical names like "Weight" or "Eden." Their fragrant fruit carpets the ground, conjuring memories of lazy summer afternoons.
This collection is one of the world's premier apple libraries, rivaling those in New York and New Zealand. But while other collections focus on wild apple relatives to aid in breeding, Kent’s repository is a love letter to the apple varieties once cherished in British orchards.
The Rise and Fall of British Apples
Britain’s apple orchards once stretched across the landscape, producing iconic varieties like Cox's Orange Pippin and Blenheim Orange. At the height of apple production in the late 19th century, counties like Devon had more than 20,000 acres of orchards. However, by the 20th century, the apple industry faced steep decline as imports like France's Golden Delicious took over supermarket shelves. Today, only about 35% of apples consumed in the UK are homegrown, with many British varieties disappearing from commercial production.
Despite this downturn, the collection in Kent has preserved the genetic legacy of Britain’s apples. The genes of trees that once filled these orchards live on, cloned and cultivated for future generations.
An Ancient Connection: Cloning Through Time
Unlike planting an apple seed, which would yield unpredictable results, the art of grafting has allowed people to preserve apple varieties for thousands of years. Grafting involves attaching a cutting from one tree to another set of roots, creating genetic clones of an original tree. Some of these varieties are ancient, with roots stretching back to the Roman occupation of Britain.
“These fixed genotypes are as old as the Roman period,” explains Nicholas Howard, a geneticist who studies the collection. When the Romans invaded, they brought domesticated apples, introducing new flavors and textures to the British Isles.
Genealogy of Apples: Science Meets Tradition
The National Fruit Collection’s role has evolved over the decades. Originally established to support apple breeders, it now plays a vital part in global research. Scientists have sequenced portions of these apples’ DNA to piece together a family tree of apple varieties.
One discovery revealed that Cox's Orange Pippin, a celebrated British apple, is closely related to varieties like Rosemary Russet and Margil. Another breakthrough uncovered that some apples, such as the massive Reinette Franche, carry three sets of chromosomes instead of the usual two a condition known as triploidy, which adds complexity to genetic research.
These findings are building a comprehensive map of apple genetics, connecting ancient cultivars like the French Reinette Franche to a vast network of modern varieties. Each breakthrough adds a chapter to the apple’s long and storied history.
A Revival of Lost Varieties
The collection is not just a relic of the past; it is also a guardian of lost apples. Thanks to efforts by groups like the Marcher Apple Network, over 20 rediscovered apple varieties will soon join the collection. These heritage apples, saved from obscurity, boast poetic names like Black Gilliflower, Bridstow Wasp, and Jolly Miller.
The diversity of flavors, colors, and textures in these apples is astounding. Some are tart, others sweet, and their flesh ranges from creamy white to pale green. They serve as a testament to the artistry of generations of orchardists who cultivated them.
A Legacy in Every Bite
Walking through the orchard, each tree tells a story. The apples, whether tiny or enormous, crisp or mellow, are reminders of the deep connection between people and nature. Plucking an apple named "Eden," its crimson skin glowing in the afternoon sun, is a sensory journey to a simpler time a time when apples weren’t just a commodity but a cherished part of daily life.
As scientists and enthusiasts continue to explore the collection, the National Fruit Collection stands as a vibrant symbol of preservation. It ensures that the flavors, history, and stories of Britain’s apples are not lost to time, but live on for future generations to savor and study.
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