FOOD + DRINK
KEEPING KENT GROWING CONT .
However , farming in Kent is not just a thing of the past - it is an ever evolving process of science and research . A place that not only heralds the industry ’ s history but also celebrates Kent ’ s legacy and fruitgrowing future is Brogdale Collections ( www . brogdalecollections . org ) on Brogdale Farm near Faversham . Home of the National Fruit Collection , Brogdale works to provide access and education about fruit . Set in over 150 acres of farmland , Brogdale has over 4,000 varieties of fruit trees from apples , pears , quinces and plums to cherries and more . Visitors of all ages are welcomed to Brogdale with self-guided tours available any time of the day or year . Spend as much time as you like wandering the pathways , enjoying the countryside and discovering the fruits cycle from blossom to fruit and frost . The largest collection of fruit at Brogdale is the apple , followed by pears , cherries , plums , quince , nuts and medlars . April is the perfect time to venture to Brogdale to enjoy the blossoming trees , a truly spectacular array of natural beauty - the fruit blossom in Kent is not to be missed .
The earliest known mention of apples in England was by King Alfred in about 885 AD ; there are several mentions of cherries being cultivated in Britain by the Romans especially in Kent but other sources suggest wild varieties could have been growing in Kent before the invasion , and these bitter little berries would be nothing like the juicy modern varieties we love so much today . With cherry season starting in July , a time which sees a frenzy of fruit lovers search Kent ’ s farm shops , stalls and greengrocers for the biggest and juiciest cherries , we still have a few months to get through before we reach this delicious time . It is slim picking for seasonal fruit in April - with rhubarb topping the charts , but with a multitude of health benefits from glowing skin
to stronger bones , as well as being packed with antioxidants with anti-bacterial , anti-inflammatory , and anti-cancer properties , a rhubarb crumble or sugar stewed rhubarb , might be just your answer to an April pudding . When it comes to veggies , this month is plentiful , with delicious favourites such as asparagus , spring greens , cauliflower , kale , radishes , spring onions , samphire , watercress and more growing in abundance and thus adorning our farm shops , greengrocers and supermarket shelves .
So , whether you ’ re a lover of the Kentish countryside , someone keen to keep Kent ’ s heritage and future alive , or simply a foodie who craves optimum flavour , there ’ s no better way to fulfil these passions than being an advocate of local produce . Protect your countryside and county , and keep Kent growing by buying local - it does a world of good .
BROGDALE CHERRY BLOSSOM PLANTING
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