September marks the start of Autumn, though this year it feels as if we’ve been cheated out of a summer! Still, it’s a very busy time of the year for our farmers and particularly fruit growers, with lots of delicious english apples and plums widely available.

Apples and blackberries come into season in September, and of course they are a match made in heaven in a pie or crumble!

Apples

We all know the saying ‘an apple a day keeps the doctor away……’, in my job as a GP, i know it’s not that easy!………..however, apples are a great source of vitamin C, as much as 1500mg being in just one apple.
Their skin and flesh are also rich in cancer fighting chemicals such as flavanoids and polyphenols, and they are known to help lower cholesterol, which is thought to contribute to reducing your risk of heart disease.
If you are feeling peckish between meals, why not reach for an apple, they are obviously lower in calories than a chocolate bar, and are also known to keep hunger pangs at bay for longer.
Being from the West Country, I have been known to sample the many lovely local ciders, and I am delighted to learn that research is currently underway to see if cider has hidden health properties too……….I wonder if they need any more volunteers!!

Why not check out our favourite local cider producers at www.thatcherscider.co.uk and ‘our sheppy cider page.

Blackberries

In my opinion, wild blackberries are far superior to cultivated ones, and you don’t have to pay for them as they are growing in our hedgerows right now! You do risk getting purple fingers and bramble scratches though when you pick them…..
The health benefits of blackberries have been known for centuries, the ancient Greeks used to prescribe them for gout.
In Germany, they are often recommended to help fight minor infections such as sore throats.
They are also full of antioxidants, which are thought to help prevent various cancers and they are a good source of soluble fibre.
Interestingly, they are a natural source of salicylate which is the active component is aspirin, and they can also help lower cholesterol.
They are also rich in tannins, which is why they help relieve diarrhoea.

So, why not get out into the countryside this weekend, pick yourself some blackberries and buy some delicious english Bramley apples and make a tasty and healthy pudding……..the custard is an optional extra!

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