Page 24 - ALG Issue 3 2023

fruit
Unique flavours
Add some unique flavours to your allotment this summer. While strawberries and raspberries are always popular choices, there are plenty of unusual fruits that can thrive in our English allotments.
Smoky are good choices.
5. Sea Buckthorn - Sea Buckthorn
is a thorny shrub that produces small, orange berries that are high in vitamin C. It can tolerate cold temperatures.
SOUTH EAST
1. Apricots-Apricotsareastonefruit that can be grown successfully in the South East. They require a sunny, sheltered spot with well-draining soil. Varieties like Moorpark and Tomcot are good choices.
2. Figs - Figs are a fruit that can be grown in the South East of the UK, as long as they are planted in a warm, sheltered spot. Varieties like Brown Turkey and Brunswick are well-suited to the region.
3. Quinces - Quinces are a fruit that is related to apples and pears, and have a sweet, slightly tart flavour. Varieties like Vranja and Meeches Prolific are our favourite choices.
4. Pomegranates - Pomegranates are a fruit that is typically associated with warm, dry climates, but they can be grown in a warm, sheltered spot. Varieties like Provence and Mollar de Elche are good choices.
5. Nectarines - Nectarines are a stone fruit that is similar to peaches but with smoother skin. They can be grown in a sunny, sheltered spot with well-draining soil. Varieties like Lord Napier and Flavortop are the best types to start with.
SOUTH WEST:
1. Medlar-Medlarisauniquefruit that has been grown in the UK for hundreds of years. It has a slightly acidic taste and can be eaten raw or used in jams and jellies. Varieties like Nottingham and Royal are good choices.
Summer is in full swing, but we wanted to share some special fruits you might want to consider for next year in your area.
YORKSHIRE:
1. Quince-Quinceisafruitthatis related to apples and pears, and has a sweet and slightly tart flavour. It can be grown in Yorkshire, particularly in the east of the region. Varieties like Vranja and Meeches Prolific are great choices.
2. Medlar - Medlar is a fruit that was popular in medieval times but has since fallen out of favour. It has a unique, sweet flavour that is often compared to dates or caramel. It can be grown with the right care and attention. Varieties like Nottingham and Dutch are good options.
3. Kiwi - Kiwi is a fruit that is typically associated with warmer climates, but some varieties can be grown in the UK. These include varieties like Jenny, Matua, and Tomuri, which are suitable for growing in Yorkshire. Kiwis can also be grown in the North and South West of the UK.
4. Figs - Figs are a fruit that is often associated with Mediterranean climates, but they can be grown in the UK with the right conditions. They require a warm, sheltered spot with well-draining soil. Varieties like Brown Turkey and Brunswick are well-suited to growing in Yorkshire.
5. Mulberries - Mulberries are a fruit that is not commonly grown in the UK, but they can thrive in the right conditions. They require a sunny spot with well-draining soil. Varieties like King James and Chelsea are good choices.
NORTHERN AREAS:
1. Blueberries-Whileblueberries typically prefer a warmer climate, some varieties have been bred specifically for cooler regions. These include varieties like Northcountry, Chippewa, and Northblue.
2. Honeyberries - Honeyberries are a unique fruit that is similar in taste to blueberries but has a slightly tangier flavour. They are native to colder regions of Asia and Russia and can be grown in the UK with the right care. Varieties like Blue Moon and Blue Velvet are good choices for northern allotments.
3. Lingonberries - Lingonberries are
a tart, red berry that is commonly found in Scandinavian cuisine. They are well-suited to cooler climates and can be grown in the UK with the right soil conditions. Varieties like Koralle and Sanna are our top choices.
4. Saskatoon berries - Saskatoon berries are a native North American fruit that are similar in taste to blueberries but have a slightly nutty flavour. They can be grown in the UK, particularly in Scotland and northern England. Varieties like Thiessen and
Quinces are a fruit that is related to apples and pears, and have a sweet, slightly tart flavour. Varieties like Vranja and Meeches Prolific are our favourite choices.
24 Allotment and Leisure Gardener