CapeTownMagazine.com

Taste the first apple picked in South Africa, 359 years ago

For Moments of Joy. Follow our social channels
for useful news, daily local champions
 
072 350 2062
Ideas Cartel, The Old Foundry, 1 Sand Hill Road, Green Point
www.capetownmagazine.com/subscribe
now@capetownmagazine.com
CapeTownMag
CapeTownMagazine.com
capetownmag

Taste the first apple picked in South Africa, 359 years ago

Tru-Cape’s Heritage Orchard Open Day happens only once a year and it’s free

For the first time in eons, you have the chance to get a taste of the very first apple picked in the Company’s Garden in Cape Town on April 17, 1662.

That’s the first apple picked in South Africa, and you can taste it on 20 February 2021, where it is bearing fruit in the Tru-Cape Heritage Orchard at Oak Valley.  Entry is free, and the morning session is already fully booked!



A LITTLE BIT OF HISTORY 

“There was no record of apples in South Africa before the Dutch. It is believed they brought them in trees in barrels on ships,” says Brian Berkman, media and public relations at Tru Cape.

The Witte Wijnappel was the first recorded apple picked on April 17, 1662 in the Company Gardens, which was planted to supply fresh produce to the ships on their way around the Cape. “The Company’s Garden is understood to be the first formalised planted garden in the country,” says Brian.

 

GROWING ON SOUTH AFRICAN SOIL AGAIN 

The lost variety of the Witte Wijnappel, which was was used to make apple wine in earlier times, is growing again, thanks to Tru-Cape Fruit Marketing, a leading fruit distributor and marketer, and Hortgro, who is the South African deciduous fruit industry’s knowledge partner.

This is a once-a year event. The Heritage Orchard is only open to the public once a year, entry is free and the day is also an opportunity to see and taste varieties that are no longer in commercial production.



BOOK YOUR FREE TICKET

You’ll be able to pick and taste the apples yourself guided by either Buks Nel or Henk Griessel, who co-authored a book on historic apple varieties, Apples in the early days at the Cape, available to but at the open day and from Tru-Cape Fruit Marketing at R300 a copy. 

There are two sessions on Saturday, February 20. The first session, at 10am to 12pm, is now fully booked. Total numbers are limited to 20 people per session to allow for social distancing. 

Book your space for the second session from 12pm to 2pm from Quicket.



WHAT ELSE TO DO WHILE IN ELGIN

People of all ages are welcome to taste and pick apples, but if you find that your young children are bored, take them to the Elgin Railway Market later, a very popular market among locals and visitors. The market is situated about 1km from the gates of the Oak Valley Estate.

By Simone Strydom

 ---

Find other places to pick fruit (and flowers) across Cape Town.

From Zip Lining To Mountain Bike Trails Discover More at The Elgin Railway Market 

Go apple picking this weekend

Rediscover the Company’s Garden

---

Use our events section for an up-to-date overview of what’s happening in the city, ‘burbs and dorpies. Join our newsletter and get quick access on the go by adding us to your mobile home screen for the ultimate guide to discoveries in Cape Town.


Follow and like us on TwitterFacebookLinkedInInstagramPinterest for updates.

Cape Town Events Calendar
October 2023
SUN MON TUE WED THU FRI SAT
1 2 3 4 5 6 7
8 9 10 11 12 13 14
15 16 17 18 19 20 21
22 23 24 25 26 27 28
29 30 31

Camissa Gospel Tours Listen, connect and sing along at ...

Join a Sunday service with Camissa’s Gospel Tour + connect with culture

Mardouw Country HouseHow to have an unforgettable 40th, 50th ...

Private chef and 3-course meals at a 5-suite manor

Sotano Restaurant burger specialBest burger special at Sotano every ...

Share this 2-for-1 deal with a friend or eat both lamb burgers yourself

Amina Boutique Hotel You can now book out this entire hotel ...

Infrared sauna, pool, special art, stunning rooms

Cederkloof Botanical outdoor jacuzziWe just found our next place for a ...

Cederkloof: Cottages with jacuzzi + house with pizza oven

Bombay BrasserieSumptuous Indian set menu for two

10 unique dishes (and MCC) at Bombay Brasserie

Excentric Hair5 ways to transform your hair (with ...

Give your locks some love or change them completely

Rose's Table pop up dining experienceIntimate fine dining in an art gallery

A long-table experience with food, music, wine and art

Cheverells FarmGo for a drive to this apple farm in ...

From fresh food to farm cottages and fine dining evenings

Woodstock Brewery burgersA brewery with food specials for every ...

Burgers, schnitzels + curry specials at Woodstock Brewery

Excentric Hair camera diagnosisHow healthy is your hair, really?

How to get a free diagnosis + R100 off your first visit

Cannibisters weed barCape Town’s very own cannabis club, ...

It's like your friend’s living room, just with 85 strains of weed

Taj Whiskey LoungeIntroducing the Whiskey Lounge

Tastings from around the world, guided by an ambassador

Char'd Grill meat appreciation platterMeat appreciation platter at a ...

3 cuts of meat, sizzling side dishes + epic mad-scientist experience

Char'd Grill tasting traysSpirit tastings and unique cuts at this ...

Bring out your inner mad scientist: experiment with unique spirits + meat cuts

Pear Tree cocktailsHolistic food + drink at this healthy ...

Sit under the trees and enjoy kombucha cocktails, vegan dishes + a sea view

Pear Tree HermanusUnconventional vegan dishes at this ...

From tofu tostadas and kombucha cocktails to MasterChef-level desserts

Milk on the Beach5 reasons to visit this beach-side ...

Never-ending summer of waffles, hotdogs, cocktails...

Waffle Shack by Milk on the BeachOur team’s top picks at the Waffle ...

Beach-side eatery is perfect for kids, adults and dogs alike

Sweet River Brewery ingredientsBook out this distillery for your next ...

Make your own at Distillers Union + get pizza

Food Jams cooking partyLaid-back, lekker, and loud team ...

Food Jams is a party where cooking is only half the fun

Islands on the River 2023Islands on the River is spring’s ...

4-day journey of music and connection at this festival

Cheverells FarmAll the seasons of Cheverells Farm

Apple picking in summer and winter stay special

Klein Roosboom tasting caveTaste wine in a cave

Boutique winery with 6 six cosy tasting nooks. Plus platters, picnics + trails

GiveawaysTravel Tips