insideKENT Magazine Issue 34 - January 2015 | Page 48

FOOD+DRINK
PYO cont.
Pembury, apples are at the heart of the business. It even has an apple day
each October (which raises money for charity), and produces its own apple
juice and cider.

What: Blackberries
When: Early July to early September
Where: If you want to relive some of those easy childhood days we all
loved, then what better (and more delicious) way to do it than to pick
blackberries? At Lower Ladysden Farm (www.lowerladysden.co.uk) in
Goudhurst, blackberries are just one of the many freshly grown, seasonal
fruit and vegetables available.

What: Sweetcorn
When: Early August to early September
Where: At Stanhill Farm (www.stanhillfarm.co.uk) in Wilmington, near
Dartford, there is enough sweetcorn to satisfy even the hungriest of appetites.
And there are plenty of other goodies to pick as well. Plus, in July, the
amazing Maize Maze opens – pick up a clue, and try to solve the puzzles
that will take you to the centre. For the very little ones (under 3s), there is
a mini maze too.

What: Plums
When: Mid-July to early September
Where: Another often forgotten fruit, plums are delicious, versatile, and
found at Hewitts Farm (www.hewittsfarm.co.uk) just outside of Orpington.
With 78 acres of farmland, you can always be sure of the plumpest, ripest
fruit, and perfectly ready veg here. There are different varieties of plums to
choose from at Hewitts, so do some research first, otherwise you won’t
be able to choose.

What: Pumpkins
When: October
Where: In recent years, there has been an explosion of pumpkin-picking
fun in the lead up to Halloween, and some farms have taken it to the
extreme, setting up huge pumpkin patches so everyone can pick their very
own pumpkin to carve. One such farm is Beluncle Farm
(www.riversidefarmers.co.uk) in Hoo. Wear your Wellies and prepare to
hunt for your perfect pumpkin, as you make use of the farm’s wheelbarrows.
You can have a traditional orange one, or try something different and go
for a pink, white, green, or even blue variety.

What: Apples
When: Mid-July to late October
Where: Apples are amazing. Not only are they great incorporated into
desserts and main dishes, but they are also the perfect hunger-busting
(healthy) snack. There is no getting away from the good old apple, and
especially in Kent, where our orchards are such a huge part of our wonderful
county. At Pippins Fruit Farm (www.pippinsfarm.co.uk / 01892 824569) in

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