Today is National Apple Day across the UK and what better way to celebrate the glorious English apple then to remember where it all started...
Cox's Orange Pippin was discovered and developed around 1825 by a retired brewer from Bermondsey called Richard Cox - the rest is luscious apple history and the whole of Britain has praised the taste of his apples ever since.
Beyond the Cox, there is a wealth of traditional English apple varieties to experience - the Russet and James Grieve are perfect examples.
Sadly, in my lifetime the number of little orchards has dwindled away along with countless miles of hedgerows all set about with apple trees. UK apple orchards have declined by a massive 95% in the last 40 years and as a result, many of those tasty local apples are now difficult to find and many have been lost.
The time has come to put English apples back where they should be, in every garden, larder, kitchen and mouth in the UK.
Thankfully, many projects are now in place to celebrate and revive the English apple. In April this year, Copella Fruit Juice launched its nationwide Plant & Protect campaign. The aim of the campaign being to raise awareness of the humble but delicious English apple, with the support of the National Trust - Copella want the nation fall back in love with English apples!
Bringing apples to a town near you, the campaign has funded 15 English apple orchard projects across the country. Just this week I was lucky enough to plant one of the first trees in a picturesque north east orchard - even planting my own namesake variety, the Bellamy Fillbasket!
All of the orchards are on National Trust sites and as they are scattered around the country it's a great opportunity for the nation to see and experience the wonderful apples local to their area. There are some great little orchards to visit including Scotney Castle in Kent and Cotehele in Cornwall. Sutton House is another gem, hidden away in central London.
So in the spirit of National Apple Day, we are calling on the nation to support (and eat!) English apples. Anyone who wants to get involved can and you can even plant and register your very own apple tree! Get the latest at www.facebook.com/copellafruitjuices.
With help and the backing of the British public, Copella and the National Trust are aiming to plant more types of English Apples across the country - reaping the annual reward to turn into juice, serve in pies, strudels, tarts, fools and crumbles. My mouth is already watering with great expectations.
English apple varieties are a national institution and must be protected. It is of key importance for future generations of Britons. So it's back to the future with English Apples all the way, yum yum!