At The Cotswold Veg Box Company, apples aren’t just another fruit, they’re part of our story. Our COO, Alex, grew up on a fruit farm right here in Ebrington, the same village where our HQ is based. His Grandparents still run the farm today, and this autumn we’re proud to be including some of their home-grown apples in your veg boxes. For us, apples represent more than flavour and seasonality, they’re a connection to our roots, our community, and the traditions of British orchards.
Discovery – The Summer Starter
The Discovery apple heralds the beginning of the British apple season in late August. Small and brightly flushed red, it has a crisp bite and a refreshing sweetness with hints of strawberry. Best eaten straight from the tree, its short season makes it a true late-summer treat. Look out for Discovery apples in your early autumn veg boxes.
Worcester Pearmain – A Sweet Classic
Ripening shortly after Discovery, Worcester Pearmain is another early-season favourite. Known for its distinctive strawberry-like flavour and juicy flesh, it’s a beloved apple for eating fresh and is often used to breed newer varieties thanks to its excellent flavour profile. We’re excited to include Worcester Pearmains in September boxes for a taste of true orchard heritage.
Egremont Russet – The Nutty Heritage Apple
With its golden-brown, rough-textured skin, Egremont Russet may look rustic, but its flavour is extraordinary. Sweet, nutty, and almost pear-like, it’s a true heritage apple dating back to the Victorian era. In season through autumn, it pairs beautifully with cheese. You’ll be able to find them in October veg boxes.
Cox – The Quintessential British Apple
Cox’s Orange Pippin, often simply called “Cox,” is widely considered the finest dessert apple grown in Britain. With a perfect balance of sweetness, acidity, and complex aromatic notes, Cox apples are rich and distinctive. Look out for Cox in your September and October boxes, when they’re at their absolute best.
Rosetta Red – The Vibrant Newcomer
Among the newer British varieties, Rosetta Red stands out with its striking deep red skin and crisp, juicy flesh. Its flavour is a pleasing balance of sweet and sharp, making it a versatile apple for both fresh eating and adding colour to salads. We’ll be adding Rosetta Reds to autumn veg boxes so you can try this modern British variety.
Bramley – The Cook’s Favourite
No survey of British apples would be complete without the Bramley. Large, green, and intensely tart when raw, Bramleys transform when cooked — their sharpness mellowing into a rich, fluffy purée that makes them unrivalled for pies, crumbles, sauces, and baking. They’ll feature in your veg boxes this autumn, ready for hearty puddings and traditional bakes.
Celebrating the British Apple Season
The British apple season runs from late August through winter, beginning with fresh, sweet varieties like Discovery and Worcester Pearmain, moving into the richness of Cox and Egremont Russet, and finishing with long-keeping apples like Bramley. Each one offers a taste of the orchard and a reminder of the diversity that thrives in Britain’s climate.
So whether you’re biting into a crisp Discovery from your September box, slicing a Bramley into an autumn crumble, or pairing a Russet with a wedge of cheddar, British apples from The Cotswold Veg Box Company promise flavour, history, and seasonality in every bite.
