A group of enthusiastic volunteers gathered in Carhampton Community Orchard on Saturday (August 14) to learn how to select, pick and pack the abundant produce.

They were able to choose from the orchard’s 35 traditional varieties of apple trees, two pear trees and the heavily-fruiting Dunster plum.

The group learned how to tell when fruit is ripe; how to pick and pack it without bruising; how to detect the tiny exit holes of the Codling Moth caterpillar, and much more.

“Treat apples like eggs, not bean bags!” said Emily Feldberg, who was leading the training. “And make sure you sort out the perfect fruit from the rest!”

The fruit picked on Saturday was available for sale at the village’s outdoor cream tea the following day, and there will be more at the Big Car Boot Sale at Carhampton Rec on Monday, August 30.

It will also be available at the orchard’s Apple Tasting and Village Picnic on Saturday, September 18 from 11am to 2pm, as well as at Toucan Wholefoods and Stuart Lowen Farm Shop in Minehead and other local outlets.

For more information about the orchard, email [email protected].

Photos: Elizabeth Atkinson