Читать книгу The Taste of Britain - Hugh Fearnley-Whittingstall - Страница 281

This apple was discovered in the mid-eighteenth century growing against a boundary wall of Blenheim Park, the seat of the dukes of Marlborough in Oxfordshire. A local workman moved it into his garden and the tree became famous for the colour and quantity of fruit. Initially it was known as Kempster’s Pippin but was renamed in the early nineteenth century with the consent of the Duke of the time. It was then widely grown and considered one of the finest of English apple types. It declined in importance when production for market became more methodical as it is biennial in habit. Interest in old varieties has led to new attention being paid to this and other less well-known apples.

Early in its season, in late September, Blenheim Orange is often chosen for cooking: it keeps its shape well and is used for dishes where appearance is important or a firm purée necessary. Later, during the following month, it has developed in flavour sufficiently to be offered as a dessert apple, thought also excellent with cheese.