NORTON Priory is preparing for their annual quince and apple day on Sunday, October 11.

It takes place in the Georgian walled garden from 11am to 4pm.

Visitors can enjoy this seasonal fayre with apple tasting, apple bobbing, make a scarecrow and browse at a variety of stalls.

Event organiser Alan Westron said: “Harvest is a special time at Norton Priory.

“We are home to the national collection of tree quince as well as pears, apples and medlars.

“The gardeners and volunteers have been working really hard to pick all the orchard fruit, soft fruit and vegetables which will be available to buy at the event.”

Jams, juices, fruit, vegetables and plants will be on sale.

Visitors can also buy second hand books and textile crafts including knitted and sewn goods.

Traditional skills including willow weaving, wood turning, pottery and green wood will be demonstrated.

Birds of prey will be on display.

Children can listen to storytelling, music and try their hand at the longest apple peel competition, coconut shy and various games.

Hot food, cakes and savouries will also be available.

Quince is a furry cousin of the apple and pear.

It has a golden appearance with delicate pink flesh.

When eaten raw the fruit is bitter and hard however when cooked the flavour becomes sweet and delicious and is a perfect accompaniment to both desserts and meat dishes.

Quince would have been preserved in the autumn and eaten throughout the year in medieval times and is believed by historians to have been the forbidden ‘apple’ which tempted Adam in the Garden of Eden.

Head gardener John Budworth said: “Norton Priory is home to 24 different varieties of quince.

“This event provides the perfect opportunity for people to learn more about this unusual fruit.

“As it contains pectin it is ideal for making jams and jellies so sweet toothed visitors will be in for a treat.

“It is high in antioxidants and has so many health qualities.”

The Walled Garden will open from 10am to 4pm. Normal admission prices apply. Adults £3.50, Concessions and children £2.70.

Norton Priory’s museum is currently closed for a £4.5m redevelopment.

QUINCE FACTS

• The flesh of the quince is a delicate pink colour, but it turns red after a long cooking time.

• Quinces probably originated in the Caucasus Mountains between the Caspian and Black seas and still grow wild in the forests of Azerbaijan.

• The fruit was dedicated both to Aphrodite and to Venus, the Greek and Roman goddesses of beauty, love, laughter and marriage, so the fruits were eaten at nuptial ceremonies and were also used to scent the rooms.

• The ‘golden apples’ of ancient myths were probably quinces; whilst there were apples in those days they are unlikely to have been nearly so attractive as golden quinces.

• Quinces may have come to Britain earlier but the first mention seems to be when Edward I planted four trees at the Tower of London in 1275, paying 6 pence each for them, about the same price as a peach tree.

• Quinces should be left to remain on the tree for as long as possible; in Britain they are best picked in late October, before the onset of severe frosts.

• Pick quinces in October or early November and ripen them loosely packed in boxes in a cool store and well away from apples. Unblemished fruits should keep all winter, releasing a fantastic aroma when you open the packing.