Announced ahead of the glitzy black-tie 2022 Taste of Kent Awards (TOKA) event in May, two early winners of this prestigious event, namely Kent’s Tastiest Apple and Pear varieties, were revealed at the National Fruit Show last month.
The National Fruit Show was held on October 21st at Detling Show Ground. Executive Chair of the show, Sarah Calcutt comments,
“The overall consensus was that despite the atrocious weather at times this year, the quality and depth of flavour in the entries really demonstrates what a difference the British climate and terroir makes to the flavour of fruit grown here.
“The criteria for entry into Taste of Kent Awards, is to be a National Fruit Show winner, as well as a high points scorer in the main dessert apple and pear classes.
“The National Fruit Show has its own tastiest apple, which is often, though not always, the same as the Kent winner. This year, the awards were presented to the winners in person which was a joyful experience for all.”
The winner of the Taste of Kent Award for Kent’s Tastiest Apple is Elverton Farms Ltd for its Gala Variety. The Johnson family, on their farms just outside Faversham and Canterbury, grow pears, cherries and hops as well as growing outstanding Gala apples.
The winner of the taste of Kent Award for Kent’s Tastiest Pear is B Piper Partnership for its Concorde Variety. Brian Piper and his daughter Rachel (pictured) are very well known for their cherries, regularly picking up multiple awards in the cherry and soft fruit show which is held annually.
Picture caption: (left to right) Sarah Calcutt – Executive Chair National Fruit Show, Rachel Piper, Floortje Hoette CE of Produced in Kent and Taste of Kent Awards, Teresa Wickham – President National Fruit Show.