From Wonky to Wonderful: The Story of Hawke's Bay's Apples

While apples are a fruity favourite all year round, Autumn is when the harvest is in full swing. We had a chat with one of our regular growing partners, Greig Taylor, the Co-Owner and Orchardist behind Hawke's Bay based FreshCo, to get to the 'core of it', and why some apples make their way to Wonky Box.

‍What do you grow and why is it Wonky?‍

Apples are our 'pick of the crop', grown in Hawke's Bay and destined for overseas markets. Export beauty standards are high, with only perfect apples making export grade, so any that are funky shapes or sizes or have marked skin go Wonky's way. This means Wonky Box-ers get to enjoy exclusive apple varieties not otherwise sold in NZ! Lately you would've been crunching into the 'Breeze' apple, known for being especially crisp and sweet.

What does Autumn mean for your orchards?

Over March and April we're full swing harvesting and packing our apples - Easter marks the halfway point in the harvest. It’s a favourite time of year as we get to see the fruit we have worked hard to grow heading out to customers. Our team is also at its largest during this time, with seasonal travellers and our wonderful Pacific Island community who join us each year to help with the harvest and packing. They're often singing as they go, with their voices heard across the orchard keeping everyone motivated and smiling.

Your favourite way to enjoy apples?

‍Fresh of course! But if you enjoy desserts then you can't go past an apple pie! I also like to add apple puree to home made granola (my wife makes the best from oats, nuts, seeds and dried fruit).

‍Apple cravings been ignited?

Here are a few more of our top apple recipes to crunch into:

• Brussels sprouts, Apple and Almond Slaw
• Self-Saucing Apple Pudding with Feijoa Ice Cream
• Tips for Using the Whole Apple