Long forgotten apples brought back for Oswestry brewery open day
Long forgotten apples will be brought back to the public's consciousness at a special open day later this month.
Onibury Pippin and Sweeney Nonpareil are among historic Shropshire varieties that are little heard about today.
They will be on sale during a special apple day at the Stonehouse brewery, near Oswestry, on March 31.
Tom Adams will have apple trees on display throughout the afternoon and will give help and advice to visitors.
He said: "There is a rich heritage of growing fruit trees in this border county for commercial production and many small scale farm orchards. That heritage was nearly lost in the 1970s when many orchards were grubbed out to make way for more profitable crops. Thankfully, enough remained and many old varieties have been rescued from near extinction.
"By planting these trees in your garden you will be ensuring these varieties, which offer links to our local history, are preserved for future generations."
The Sweeney Nonpareil was grown on the Sweeney estate and is covered in 'russetting' known to be good for your health.
"The russetting is full of anti-oxidants and anti-inflammatory components –hence the saying 'an apple a day keeps the doctor away'," Tom said.
Many of the local apples are also good cider makers. The Stonehouse brewery has its own cider, the Sweeney Mountain Cider, and has planted its own orchard.
