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Mystery Apple Found in Luton Garden
13 Sep
Summary
- An unknown apple variety was discovered in a private garden in Luton.
- The tree is estimated to be 70 to 90 years old.
- Testing confirmed it as a distinct UK or European variety.
A remarkable discovery has been made in Luton, where an unknown apple variety was found growing in a back garden on Clarendon Road. The tree, estimated to be between 70 and 90 years old, had been producing fruit for decades before its unique nature was recognized. This exciting find occurred in 2023, following a donation of surplus fruit which led to the identification of the mystery apples.
To ascertain its origin, the apple was sent for testing to the National Institute of Agricultural Botany in Cambridge last year. Experts there meticulously compared it against thousands of other apple varieties from across the UK and Europe. This rigorous analysis confirmed that the apple is indeed a distinct and previously uncatalogued type. This discovery marks a notable addition to Luton's horticultural heritage, echoing the celebrated case of Alfred Hull, who famously cultivated a new apple variety named 'Pam's Delight' after his daughter.
