THE Northern Ireland Fruit Growers Association (NIFGA), Fruit Industry Federation (FIF) and representatives from across the apple industry celebrated the 200th Anniversary of the Bramley apple at Manor Estate and Country Park, Loughgall.
For generations families in Co. Armagh have tended and cared for their orchards. At present there are about 200 registered Bramley apple growers in Armagh, harvesting around 5000 acres of orchard. The Bramley was originally grown from seeds planted b
y a young girl, Mary Ann Brailsford, in England in 1809.
These special Armagh Bramleys have a unique taste, and a rich sharp flavour which cooks down nicely. The Bramley has special cooking properties and visitors to the Fair listened and watched renowned cookery chef Darina Allen give mouth watering demonstrations using only the best local produce.
School children walked the orchards, and enjoyed locally produced apple cakes and juice. With such a rich asset, growers have highlighted the need to protect apple orchards, and educating a younger generation is vital for the longer term prosperity of the sector. Local growers hosted a reception for the Northern Ireland Agricultural Committee and met with Agriculture Minister Michelle Gildernew who officially opened the very popular cookery demonstrations by Darina Allen.
The Armagh Bramley Blossom Fair, lived up to the organisers hopes of being a good old fashioned fair with something for everyone to enjoy. This was a unique opportunity to show case the industry.
