ONE thing I always look forward to every year is the start of the British apple season. From mid-August onwards we can all enjoy the delicious flavours and varieties of local apples.

This year, we are all in for an extra treat as apple producers say the weather over the past year has produced the tastiest apple crop for years.

Last winter’s cold spells meant that orchards lay dormant for longer, then the warm spring and early summer helped turn the higher amounts of starch into sugar. According to the English Apples and Pears trade association, this year’s crop of apples might be smaller than usual but will be the most delicious for years.

Just as our growers have enjoyed a good year, their European counterparts have suffered with late frosts and poor pollination. Head down to your nearest Worcestershire farmers’ market and taste the true flavour of a Cox’s or Bramleys.

Of course, apples aren’t just for eating raw. You can cook with them, too – and nothing tastes better than Worcestershire pork chops and baked apples on an early autumnal evening.

Ingredients (serves 4)

4 large pork chops
3 unpeeled Worcestershire apples, cut into wedges
2 teaspoons rosemary leaves
2 teaspoons olive oil
salt and cracked black pepper
olive oil

Method

Preheat oven to 210°C/Gas mark 6.

Using a sharp knife, score fat around edge of chops at 3cm intervals. Sprinkle chops with salt and pepper and spray with oil.

Heat a large non-stick frying pan over high heat. Add pork chops, two at a time, and cook for 2-3 minutes on each side until golden brown.

Remove from heat. Toss apple with rosemary and oil. Spread roughly over the base of a large baking dish (do not line with baking paper). Place pork chops on top of apples and cook for 10 minutes or until pork is cooked through and apples are tender. Serve pork with apples and steamed, seasonal greens.

Today’s farmers’ market is in Abbey Road, Malvern, from 9am until 2pm. Tomorrow’s market is in Angel Place, Worcester, from 9am until 3pm. Next weekend’s market is at St Peter’s Garden Centre, Worcester, from 9am until 2pm, on Saturday, September 25. Next weekend also sees Belbroughton Scarecrow Festival, from 11am to 5pm on both days at the village hall.