Discover the Rich Tapestry of Europe's Orchard Legacy
The Grand Arrival: Europom's Inaugural English Exhibition
The esteemed Europom gathering is set to grace English soil for the first time, orchestrating a magnificent display of autumn's bounty. This year's much-anticipated event will unfold at the Royal Horticultural Society's Rosemoor gardens in Devon, scheduled for October 3rd and 4th. Attendees are highly encouraged to visit, as it promises both significant educational insights and immense enjoyment.
A Legacy of Preservation: The Origins and Mission of Europom
Europom's journey began in Switzerland in 1989, established as a continent-wide collective of fruit aficionados committed to safeguarding historical and indigenous fruit types. Its membership comprises various national fruit societies across Europe. In the absence of a dedicated national society in Britain, the Royal Horticultural Society proudly represents the nation, which explains the selection of Rosemoor, nestled within Devon's renowned cider-making region, as the host venue.
A Bountiful Exhibition: Exploring Europe's Diverse Fruit Collection
Exhibitors from approximately a dozen European nations will present a magnificent assortment of fruits, primarily focusing on apples, pears, and quinces. This creates an unparalleled opportunity for learning, engaging discussions, and, of course, tasting. Visitors will be invited to admire, sample, and converse about these diverse fruits, an experience that is truly enlightening. It prompts reflection on why certain aromatic apples, such as the 'Ananas Reinette' from 1820 (despite its name, a native of the Rheinland), or unique pear varieties like 'Münsterbirne' and 'Gelbe Wadelbirne,' are not more widely cultivated. The simple answer lies in their unavailability from English nurseries and the current import restrictions following Brexit.
A Glimpse into the Past: Highlights from a Previous Europom Event
My attendance at a Europom exhibition in France in 2018 provided a memorable experience. There, one specimen of every apple variety on display—estimated at around 2,000 different cultivars—was meticulously arranged on long trestle tables, sorted by color to aid visitors in identifying fruits whose names had been lost or were unknown. Guests were encouraged to engage with the apples through touch and scent. Some participants also showcased other fruits, with feijoas, persimmons, and figs often making an appearance. A particularly striking display I recall was a collection of walnuts from an Austrian enthusiast, featuring the red Danube variety, Juglans regia 'Rote Donaunuss'. Its kernel boasted a red or purplish-red skin and a distinctively mild, non-bitter taste with a delicate aroma. Hazelnuts were also impressive, including the colossal 'Hallesche Riesennuss' from central Germany and the historic Piedmontese 'Tonda Gentile delle Langhe', which I was assured is the premier choice for crafting gianduja.
A Future Feast for Fruit Enthusiasts: Anticipating October 2026
Fruit aficionados can look forward to another delightful experience in October 2026, mirroring the success of the National Fruit Show held in 2023, as depicted in the accompanying image.
The Global Journey of Apples: From Continental Europe to English Shores
My primary interest at the 2018 event was apples. While apples are often considered our national fruit, it is undeniable that the core of modern apple development originates from Continental Europe, spanning from Russia to Spain, with notable contributions from Germany, France, Scandinavia, the Benelux countries, and the Alpine regions. The social and economic circumstances of the 19th and 20th centuries in these areas fostered the creation of an immense number of distinct varieties. Despite this, I was surprised to find that the French were unfamiliar with many of England's finest apples, ranging from 'Discovery' to 'Egremont Russet', 'Pitmaston Pine', and 'Ashmead's Kernel'. It is worth noting that the French coined the term chauvinisme; consequently, the 'Cox's Orange Pippin' remains virtually the only English apple found in French markets.
Taste of Tradition: Exhibitors Share Their Favorite Apple Cultivars
I engaged with exhibitors to learn about their preferred apple varieties. Danish representatives recommended 'Filippa', while the Swedes suggested 'Bodil Neergaard'. Italians championed 'Annurca' and posited that the ancient Romans introduced the variety now known as 'Court Pendu Plat' to France two millennia ago. German exhibitors presented a plethora of exquisite cultivars, such as the intensely aromatic 'Freiherr von Berlepsch' and the pineapple-flavored 'Prinz Albrecht von Preussen'.
Fascinating Fruit Facts: Unveiling Horticulture's Hidden Gems
Did you know that China holds the title for the world's largest apple producer? Or that Wales boasts over 100 pear varieties, predominantly selected for perry production? Furthermore, Ireland's National Heritage Apple Tree Collection in County Clare meticulously preserves more than 200 apple cultivars of Irish origin, and German nurseries proudly list over 50 quince varieties.
Expert Insights and Horticultural Discoveries at Europom
Europom consistently organizes a compelling series of lectures, and the RHS has outdone itself by inviting distinguished experts to speak at Rosemoor. Dr. Matt Ordidge, the scientific curator of our National Fruit Collection at Brogdale Farm in Kent, is among the esteemed speakers. Lawrence Weston, a promising young horticulturist who received his training at Rosemoor, will discuss the wild fruit forests of Central Asia. Among the visitors, Hans-Thomas Bosch, a leading German expert in apple identification (as well as grapes), will deliver a lecture on the Heritage Pear Trees of Southern Germany. It is estimated that Germany cultivates approximately 1,500 apple varieties.
A Double Delight: Europom and Brogdale's Apple Fair
An invitation is extended to all to personally experience Europom. Regrettably, the event coincides with the Brogdale Collections' annual Apple Fair in Kent. The magnificent Brogdale boasts 150 acres and nearly 3,500 varieties of apples, pears, quinces, and more. It is indeed a pity that one cannot attend both wonderful events simultaneously.