Are most apples we buy imports

A.� Around 85 per cent of all apples sold are bought in supermarkets - three-quarters of those are imports, primarily from France, South Africa, the USA and New Zealand. The UK imports 188,000 tonnes of Golden Delicious apples from France each year.

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Q.� What about British apples

A.� Since the 1960s, 66 per cent of UK apple orchards have been lost, that's around 150,000 acres. There are, in fact, around 2,000 English apple varieties, which traditionally come from counties such as Herefordshire, Kent, Worcestershire and Warwickshire. Supermarket chains such as Waitrose and Sainsbury's are spearheading a campaign to promote British apples, and particularly lesser known varieties such as Egremont Russet. Last year, Waitrose bought 800 varieties of apples from the Brogdale Horticultural Trust In Kent, which houses the National Fruit Collection, to bring a wider choice in store.

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Q.� What are some of the most traditional apples found in Britain

A.� One of the oldest varieties is the Brownless Russet, first mentioned in the 1840s, which has an intense sweet and sharp flavour.

Other traditional varieties include the Worcester Pearmain, which has a densely sweet strawberry flavour, the Egremont Russet, first mentioned in 1872 by a Somerset nurseryman, which has a distinct flavour, and the Queen Cox, a cousin of the Cox's Orange Pippin.

Cox apples were raised in 1825 in Buckinghamshire and has a nutty aroma and a sweet, sometimes spicy, flavour. The Howgate Wonder is one of the few apples to originate from the Isle of Wight, a Discovery apple is a cross between a Worcester Pearmain and an unknown variet, and is one of the most popular apples in the country.

Bramley or 'cooker' apples were originally raised in the early 1800s in Nottinghamshire. It's almost the only cooking apple grown commercially and is available all-year round.

The Blenheim Orange, discovered growing in Blenheim Park, Oxfordshire in 1740, was widely grown in the 19th century and can be found in most old garden orchards today. It is quite sweet with a nutty flavour and is particularly good when cooked.

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Q.� Where's the best place to buy traditional apples

A. Farmers' markets are often the only outlet for specialist fruit growers these days. Otherwise try ordering by mail. For traditional and unusual varieties, try Peake Fruit in East Anglia at www.englishapples.com or try Lathcoats Farm in Essex, www.eapples.co.uk

The Brogdale Horticultural Trust in Kent has lots of details on varieties and availablity - 01795 535286. Common Ground is a charity which promotes community apple orchards. For further details, call 020 7267 2144.

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By Katharine MacColl