Organic News
Apple Day at Seedsavers
In celebration of the home-grown apple Seed Savers is hosting numerous activities for its Apple Day, Sunday 28th September 2008 from 12 noon to 5pm.
Guided tours of the heritage orchards containing over two hundred distinct varieties of apple will take place. Seed Savers' orchard and garden staff will also be holding tastings throughout the day, juicing some varieties and imparting knowledge on growing apples and creating an orchard organically.
Apple orchards were a feature of most gardens in the past but, with the development of commercial orchards, the tradition of growing many varieties of apples has been lost. In a bid to reverse this trend the Native Irish Apple Collection was set up at Seedsavers, Capparoe, Scariff, Co. Clare.
Although the climate in Ireland is perfect for growing apples, many of the apples for sale in your local supermarket are the usual Granny Smiths or New Zealand Braeburns imported at a time of year when Irish apples are in season. This is unfortunate as locally-produced foods provide a number of benefits both for the local community and for the environment as a whole. By massively reducing 'food miles' between producer and consumer, green house gases and other emissions from transport are minimised. Just one taste of an old Irish apple will convince you that locally-grown foods are fresher and tastier.
The open day will feature several hands-on activities for children including nature walks, wildlife drawing and story-telling, and especially juicing the apples. Bring your own apples and a bottle and we will juice them for you too. Meanwhile there will be an organic café on the day serving delicious food from autumn's harvest, including apples and vegetables from the Seed Savers organic gardens.
To book call the Irish Seed Savers Association at (061) 9821866 / 856, or go on-line at www.irishseedsavers.ie.
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