The Elbournes have been growing orchard fruit for five generations. Their farm shop in Meldreth has been there since 1967, but is only open in season – pretty much August to February. The apples there smell so much more apply than those in the supermarket – the orchards are around Meldreth and the next village, Melbourn, so they don’t have far to come and can be picked when properly ripe.
It’s a treat to drop in to the shed and pick out some interesting apple varieties from the wooden crates.
They have been very proactive in planting and selling heritage varieties. South Cambridgeshire was traditionally always an apple and plum growing area, famous for it, and they are carrying on the tradition and growing varieties I, an apple lover, have never heard of.
They do well known varieties as well, generally at less than supermarket prices, and full flavoured apple juice pressed from single varieties, which is also available in farm shops around the area. Have a look for it if you are in the South Cambridgeshire area. Also, occasionally homemade apple muffins still warm from the oven appear on the cash desk.
There were two but one got eaten before I could take a photo…
Do seek them out and remember what apples should taste like – a touch tarter and more complex than the modern commercial varieties and perfect with Wensleydale cheese from the Hawes Creamery.
NB the shop is now closed until the season starts again in August.
Cam Valley Orchards Farm Shop 25 Whitecroft Road, Meldreth, Royston, Herts SG8 6ND 07770 461 685 Open Thursday, Friday and Saturday only, 9AM to 6PM, August – February No websiteTags: apples · autumn · cam valley orchard · cam valley orchards · cambridgeshire · food · local · meldreth · orchard · produce · seasonal2 Comments
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