The best British apples and how to use them

Crisp and super-juicy Cox apples are probably the best-known British apple and for good reason. A great all-rounder, Cox apples are intense and aromatic, both sweet and sharp in flavour, with an orange-red colour that ripens into a deep red hue (and likely explains its official name ­­– Cox's Orange Pippin).

Our Cox apples are tree-ripened and picked just in time to eat. Cox’s balance of sharp and sweet make it a good match for mature, tangy M&S Cornish Cruncher cheddar in these ploughman’s-inspired apple and Cornish cruncher scones.  

Fragrant, nutty and delicately sweet, Egremont Russet is a heritage apple fave, with a golden, russet-textured, pear-like skin. These tree-ripened fruits are grown for us by Jake and Rupert Simpson in Herefordshire, where the deep, fertile soils and cooler nights prove to be the perfect conditions to grow these Victorian-era apples.

Egremont Russet is an old-fashioned favourite with a delicate taste for the discerning apple eater – the perfect addition to this glorious update on a classic toffee apple trifle or paired with ribbons of celeriac in a creamy celeriac and smoked salmon salad, worthy of British apple season.

Delicious, sweet and juicy with a firm, crisp texture, Royal Gala is a cross between Golden Delicious and Kidd’s Orange Red. Given that Kidd’s Orange Red is itself a cross between a Cox and Red Delicious, it’s safe to say that Royal Gala comes from good stock. Try slicing and tossing our tree-ripened Gala apples, with their lovely crisp texture, into a punchy celeriac remoulade or this fiery apricot, apple, ginger and honey relish.  

These totally refreshing, tree-ripened Braeburn apples are incredibly crisp and juicy, with a tart, tangy flavour. Braeburn’s refreshing crunch and bright flavour make them a delicious addition to a festive fruits board or your breakfast mixed-spice porridge. We work with Chris Elworthy at Plumford Farm in Kent to provide you with Braeburn, as well as other British apples, like Gala and English heritage varieties, in an array of flavours and textures, from Norfolk Royal Russet to Laxton Superb.

He works hard to improve the biodiversity on his farm, too, with acres of wildflower meadows that encourage bees and other pollinators. “These would traditionally be grass,” says Chris. “From June to August, they grow to waist height. It enhances pollination and is great for beneficial insects – so it allows us to harness what nature has available to us.”

Blood-red Scarlett Paradise looks hauntingly similar to Snow White’s poisonous apple, making it a perfect ghoulish addition to your Halloween party. Don’t worry, though, these exclusive-to-M&S apples are not at all poisonous, with a crisp, juicy, sweet bite that would make the best sticky toffee apples, spiced apple punch or vanilla brandy apple tea Halloween cocktail garnish. Alternatively, try them in this crunchy apple and wensleydale salad or sliced onto your morning bircher. 

Bite into Kissabel apples’ blushing red centre for a sweet, juicy, spooky surprise. The kids will love this modern apple variety, bred for its spookily red flesh, as a Halloween snack. With hints of berry, Kissabel is also a beautiful celebration apple for garnishing cocktails, like a vanilla brandy apple tea or for decorating your favourite apple dessert, like these cute individual vegan tarte aux pomme.