The Fruit & Root Crew are on a mission to uncover some of the stories behind the hero seasonal food we eat – from juicy fruits to veggies with va va voom!

It’s March – and even though we’re still waiting for spring to wake things up, we’re celebrating two heroes that have been quietly storing up sweetness all winter long.

Two heroes, huh! So… who are this month’s marvelous munch? Fruit or veg? Only one way to find out!

“GET READY… TO SPIN THE PEEL OF FORTUNE!”

So this month’s heroes are fruits – but which delicious duo are they?

Apples and pears – two classic fruits that are very different… and also very similar. In fact, they’re cousins! Both grow on trees, both have seeds in their core and both are sweet, crisp and packed with fibre and vitamin C.

“FRUITY FACTS!”

Apples are believed to have originated in the Tian Shan mountains of Kazakhstan in Central Asia, spreading along Greek and Roman trade routes to other parts of Asia and Europe thousands of years ago, with the first apple orchards planted in Roman Britain around the year 200.

And for some curious facts to crunch, did you know that the science name for apples is Malus domestica. Sounds a bit wizardy!

“MALUS DOMESTICA!”

Protector of pies! And for pears? Their science name is Pyrus communis. Less dramatic… more like a librarian!

Did you know that apples have been to space as astronaut snacks, and in Japan someone once grew an apple that weighed nearly two kilos. That’s heavier than a pineapple.

Imagine packing that in your lunch box!

Well, more curious… in China they’ve grown pears shaped like tiny babies. Seriously. Look it up.

There are many different varieties.. like Gala, Braeburn and Cox for apples – and Conference, Comice and Concorde for pears. Each one has its own flavour, texture and season. Pears are softer and juicier than apples, and while apples are best eaten crisp and cold, pears are often left to ripen a little at room temperature until they’re just right.

And did you know if you know apples float in water because they’re about 25 percent air? That’s why they’re perfect for apple bobbing. Just try not to sneeze!

Here in the UK, we grow 166,000 tonnes of apples and pears each year. That’s a lot of crunch. Even with that, we still import about two-thirds of the apples and pears we eat. So if you want to support British farmers, check the label next time you’re in the shop. Let’s find out more, down on the farm.

“MEET THE FARMERS!”

Apples and pears are both tree fruits, but they have different personalities.

• Apple trees tend to be a bit sturdier and more cold-hardy.
• Pear trees are pickier about their soil and need good drainage to grow their best.

In summer, farmers protect fruit from pests and monitor for the right ripening time. Pears are tricky – if you leave them too long on the tree, they go grainy. So we pick them just before they ripen and let them soften afterwards.

When it’s harvest time, we pick many fruits by hand, but for apples we also use machines like the Hydraulic Tree Shaker. It grabs the tree trunk, gives it a shake, and apples drop onto catching sheets or belts. We can harvest 200 trees an hour this way.

We make sure none of the fruit goes to waste. Any apples or pears that are too wonky for supermarket shelves might become juice, sauce or even animal feed.

Our farms are going greener too – we use solar panels, collect rainwater for irrigation, and choose natural pest control. Growing fruit locally means fewer food miles and fresher produce.

Ready to munch? Let’s find some easy ways to enjoy apples and pears at home.

“GET IN MA BELLY!”

Try apple slices dipped in peanut butter, or pear slices with a chunk of cheese. Sweet and savoury – perfect together.

And baked apples and pears are simple and warming. Just core them, fill the middle with raisins, cinnamon and a drizzle of honey, and bake till soft.

Or make a crumble using both fruits – chopped apples and pears in the bottom, crunchy topping on top. Don’t forget the custard.

And if you feel a bit more adventurous, pear and chocolate cake is amazing.

For lunch… add thin slices of apple or pear to a toastie or sandwich. Their sweetness and tanginess will totally transforms it.

A great treat anytime of the year are… toffee apples

Whether you’re munching on an apple or tucking into a pear, you’re enjoying some of Britain’s best fruit.

And don’t forget, when you’re shopping – look for local labels from British farms… and don’t forget your apples and pears!

Click here to find some juicy recipes

And remember to collect the Crew’s activity sheets

THE MORRISONS FRUIT & ROOT CREW – EXPLORING OUR SEASONAL FRUIT AND VEG
FIND OUT MORE AT MORRISONS.COM