At the beginning of the 20th Century there were more than 2000 apple tree varieties on offer, however, when someone later investigated comparisons they discovered than many were identical varieties, but had just been given different names.
Still, there is an enormous range of apple tree varieties available in Australia, many of which have been either bred recently or have arisen due to chance seedlings.
In fact, seedling apple trees are a common sight on the fringes of old orchards where they are grubbed out or ignored because the fruit is inferior and rarely worth harvesting.
Yet, some of the most famous apple varieties were discovered as chance seedlings.
The best known is the Australian Granny Smith, now grown worldwide. This remarkable apple emerged from a dump of discarded crabapple cores near Sydney.
Its extraordinary versatility has made this apple a winner with a characteristic sweet, crisp flavour while also being ideal for stewing, pies, sauces and even cider.
In addition, Granny Smith — which is partially self-fertile — can be harvested over a long period, even deep into winter. Under ideal conditions, these apples store in excellent condition for up to a year.
Another famous chance seedling was Bramley, grown from a pip sown by a small girl more than 200 years ago in England.
The fruit, being hard, unattractive and sour was ignored for years until someone tried cooking it. To everyone’s amazement, the cooked flesh swelled to a light, fluffy, deliciously flavoured and sweetly aromatic puree.
Oddly enough it was named after the local butcher who owned the property where the tree was growing. Bramley apples are now among the most sought-after of all cooking apples.
In Peter Cundall's experimental garden there are about 30 apple varieties growing.
During summer and autumn, a big range of both dessert and cooking varieties also become available.
