THE Malvern Autumn Show starts today and this year cider and perry is a key part of the weekend. Here's ten facts you might not have known before.
-
You need a LOT of apples for cider
More than half (56 per cent in fact) of apples grown in the UK are used to make cider
-
Size matters
A Perry tree can grow as large as an English Oak
-
Cider is valuable
Farmworkers' wages historically included four pints of cider a day
-
We like it - a lot
Westons Cider produce over 40 million litres of cider a year and press all of their own fruit - probably not with their feet
-
You plant a Pear for an heir
The old English saying relates to the fact Perry Pear trees can produce fruit for as long as 250 years but grow slowly.
-
Forget about fizz!
The British aristocracy replaced Champagne with Perry when at war with wine producing countries such as France and Portugal
-
An apple a day keeps the doctor away
It's actually true! Who knew? Cider apples are high in dietary fibre, vitamin C and carotenoids, which protect against illnesses.
-
It's hygienic (!)
Forget water, 14th century babies were baptised in cider as it was potentially more sanitary.
-
It's special in this county
It's Perry cider has its own recognised Protected Geographical Indication which is the three counties of Herefordshire, Worcestershire and Gloucestershire.
-
Cider makes you sing
How do you make your fruit grow? Sing at them. The ancient practice of wassailing is still practiced in cider producing counties in England. Reveller visit orchards, reciting incantations and singing songs to promote a good harvest
The Malvern Autumn Show takes place today and tomorrow. More details about the show are available here
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules hereLast Updated:
Report this comment Cancel