At this time of year the British countryside is in full production. The British climate is perfect for apple growing and consequently there's an impressive range to choose from - 1200 varieties are bred in Britain - so take your pick and get crunching

Bramley
Available all year round, the Bramley apple is large, green in colour with dull red cheeks. It is sharp, fruity and the tangy flavour is maintained after cooking. Considered to be the best English cooking apple.

Cox
The real English Cox is a complex blend of many flavours, aromatic and rich. It is a small to medium-sized round apple, greenish yellow to orange in colour, streaked or shaded with red. The flesh is tender and juicy and is probably the best known of English eating apples. Its origins date back to 1825.

Discovery
A beautiful rosy red apple with white flesh that has a blush of pink nearest the skin. Delicately perfumed, with a crisp texture and juicy bite.

Egremont Russet
A medium sized apple with a russet brown skin and an orange blush. The creamy flesh of this apple is densely textured. A connoisseur's apple with a fruity nutty taste.

Jonagold
A combination of sweetness from the Golden Delicious and the acidity of Jonathan have produced this rich honey flavoured apple.

Royal Gala
Developed from the Golden Delicious and Cox varieties. The flesh is very sweet, crisp and juicy with a delicately perfumed quality. Stores well.

Spartan
A good ripe Spartan is perfumed, very sweet and fruity. The flesh is very white, crisp and juicy and aromatic even before the fruit is cut.

Worcester Pearmain
A medium sized apple with a sweet taste and conical shape. The bright red skin contrasts with its white flesh.