AN apple-tasting tour of Carhampton Community Orchard is being offered on Saturday (September 23).

The orchard, which is run by volunteers and is celebrating its 25th anniversary this year, has recently had its lease extended for another five years on a rolling basis.

The trees are cared for organically and preserve the gene pool of more than 35 varieties of apples as well as some plums, pears, and medlars.

The variety of trees means that while some apples have been falling for a few weeks, with early eaters sweet and ready at the beginning of August, others will not ripen until mid-October.

The free apple-tasting tour is being hosted between 11 am and 1 pm on Saturday with up to a dozen specimens available to ‘tease and tantalise the palate’ with flavours from apples whose names are unknown in supermarkets.

Orchard committee chairman Emily Feldberg advised that weather-conscious footwear and clothing were recommended for anybody who wanted to attend the tour, as well as a ‘willingness to tolerate surprises’.