A new variety of apple developed specifically for the city of London has been named ‘Core Blimey'.
The London Orchard Project, a charity that promotes orchard and fruit tree growing in the capital, has announced the title of the apple following a national competition to name the new fruit.
The Core Blimey is a unique new variety and will be the first London specific apple to be developed in over 60 years.
The apple has been developed by The London Orchard Project, in partnership with nursery Trees for Life and is bred to be strong, durable and resilient to the capital's harsh conditions. The variety, which has been nurtured from a single seed, has been gradually developed over a period of 10 years.
Now the charity has 100 Core Blimey trees that are to be planted in various areas across London to celebrate its creation. The trees will be planted in 40 orchards in public spaces, parks and schools in the city throughout December.
Kath Rosen, the Chief Executive Officer of The London Orchard Project, said: “Introducing the Core Blimey to public spaces will help us to continue to rejuvenate London’s lost heritage of fruit growing. The trees will brighten up the environments they are planted in as well as provide access to free, delicious and healthy fruit to all surrounding communities.”
The winner of the competition to name the new variety will also win their own Core Blimey tree, taken from the original batch of 100.
“The Core Blimey is a perfect name for the new variety, it encapsulates London, it’s fun, and the phrase has a lot of history," said Kath.
Picture caption: The first Core Blimey tree is planted with a little help from London schoolchildren.