 Valentine's Day may feel a long way off at the moment, but here is a fantastic idea for creating a truly unique gift for your loved one and September is the perfect time to start.
A Valentine apple is a simple but extremely effective idea which works on the same principle as blanching. Light levels are manipulated to ripen one area of fruit more than another by wrapping them up to block out the light. Although in this description, we have created a heart, it would be just as easy to make any shape, a flower, someone's initials or a secret message just for a loved one. All you need is access to a fruit tree, some weed-suppressing membrane and a good measure of patience. For a romantic gift ready for Valentine's Day in February, we chose a variety of apple tree called 'Sturmer Pippin'. This produces fruit that ripens early in the new year and can be kept in a cool place until the right time. But any tree with red or blush fruit is suitable. As Valentine's gifts go, you'd be hard pressed to find one more unique, economical or showing such patient dedication. |
