Freak weather grows crop of giant Braeburn apples

Supersize apples that have grown three times bigger than normal due to freak weather conditions have gone on sale at a British supermarket.

Morrisons is selling the enormous British Braeburn apples after unusually late frosts across the UK in April meant fewer apples grew – but the ones that did had extra nutrients and ballooned to the size of a baby’s head. 

Weighing in at an average of 450g – or 1lb – the giant apples dwarf the typical Braeburn at 170g, and will be the biggest apple Morrisons has sold in living memory.

Supersize apples that have grown almost three times their usual size due to freak weather conditions have gone on sale at a British supermarket

Unusually late frosts across the UK in April meant fewer British Braeburn apples grew - but the ones that did ballooned to the size of a baby's head

Unusually late frosts across the UK in April meant fewer British Braeburn apples grew – but the ones that did ballooned to the size of a baby’s head

In the past, the apples might have been considered too big for supermarkets that refuse to take fruit and vegetables not meeting their exacting standards of shape, colour and size.

However, the stores have begun relaxing these restrictions on fresh produce in an effort to reduce food waste and 120,000 giant Braeburns will go on sale over the next fortnight.

British Braeburns are typically picked in the autumn months and require three weeks’ rest at chilled temperatures to sweeten. 

This year’s giant crop is a result of the latest UK frost for almost 20 years. 

The cold April stopped apple trees from flowering fully, limiting the pollination essential for fruit growth. 

However, favourable conditions later in the growing season gave a nutrient boost to the remaining apples which had got off to an early start, allowing them to grow to their giant size.

The giant apples are almost three times their usual size and Morrisons said they are the biggest it has sold in living memory

The giant apples are almost three times their usual size and Morrisons said they are the biggest it has sold in living memory

Melvyn Newman, from Howfield Farm, Chartham Kent said. ‘This year’s frost caught lots of growers by surprise. 

‘Over a third of our Braeburns this year are a much bigger size and with a smaller crop overall, it would have been heartbreaking to leave oversized fruit on the trees when they are just as tasty and with better colour.’ 

Fruit of kings can weigh 4lb 

The world’s heaviest apple, from Hirosaki, Japan, in 2005, was 1.849 kg (4lb 1oz).

Apples have been grown in the UK for food since Roman times.

Specially cultivated varieties arrived from Europe with the Normans.

Britain’s first large scale fruit orchards were planted on the orders of Henry VIII.

Old English, first recorded in 1204, was the main dessert apple until the 18th century.

Mark Booth, apple expert at Morrisons said: ‘Ideal for snacking, sharing or baking, these giant British Braeburn apples offer great value to our family customers. 

‘Our relationship with our growers meant we were able to take the whole crop from our apple farmers and ensure these huge but delicious apples are eaten.’  

Gala apples top the nation’s favourites at 25 per cent with crisp and sweet Pink Lady apples coming in third at 11 per cent.

The supersized British Braeburn apples are available in store and are priced at £1 for a twin pack.

 



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