The RHS has identified why our apple harvests are so small this year
In the UK this year many apple growers have been left with small harvests.
As the apple seasons begins in full force, people with apple trees have been left with a fraction of the apples on branches that they might normally have each year.
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The Royal Horticultural Society has the answer to what happened to reduce the number of apples on apple trees. Extreme heat and drought in 2022 caused stress to apple trees, which has had a knock-on effect to 2023. Some trees have managed to work through the weather and produce a decent amount of fruit, while others are significantly lacking.
September’s late summer conditions will mean, however, that even if you don’t have a huge number of apples they will probably be sweeter than normal.
Guy Barter, chief horticulturist of the RHS, said: “The last 70 days before picking influence apple flavour and this year the lack of heatwaves in August and good sunshine with some, but not excessive, warmth in September is bringing fruits to maturity with plenty of sugars, some acids and bright colours – all of which make for tasty, appetising fruits.”
This month sees the beginning of the British apple season, with Apple Day being celebrated on 21 October. RHS Garden Rosemoor has its Festival of Flavours at the weekend and celebrates the harvest from their apple orchard.
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