Fresh take on heritage fruit

Varieties of long-forgotten fruits will make a re-emergence at the Heritage Apple Festival this Saturday.

From 2pm, heritage apples such as Rome Beauties, Sturmer Pippins and Egremont Russets will be available for tastings and sale at Rainbow Coast Neighbourhood Centre Community Garden.

The annual event will include a community seed swap and seed- saving information as well as a homemade apple chutney competition.

Organiser Lorna Thompson said the festival promoted local produce, particularly ancient apple varieties dating back as early as the 1500s.

“The idea is to promote old varieties,” she said.

“A lot of (heritage) apples are so much more full of flavour and nutrition.

“Modern apples are bred for storing, uniformity and shelf life ... old varieties don’t have as good shelf life, but they taste really good.”

The community garden is now located at Humphreys Street, Lockyer.

Contact RCNC on 9841 8254 or admin@rcnc.org.au for more information.