While the retail trade is poised for the arrival of the southern hemisphere apple season, it was interesting this week to spot some of the varieties that are still coming forward from northern hemisphere sources.

M&S has even launched an exclusive new bi-coloured variety from France called Ariane at £1.49 a traypack. As far as I can find out, the variety is a cross between Florina Prima and Semis Golden. It has been doing so well in the Loire Valley that the three growers that have bought the rights have set up their own club, similar to Tentation.

This is the first year M&S has had Ariane on its shelves and the variety is in 240 stores. It is available between the end of January and mid-March and larger volumes are expected next year.

Not to be outdone, Tesco has come up with another apple newcomer in its organics section. Orin is offered as a traypack at £1.69 and comes from Canada, although it traces its history back to Japan where it was reportedly first discovered in 1981.

However, although it looks like a pale Granny Smith the authors of Brogdale Horticultural Trust’s The Book of Apples conclude its honey sweet flavour means there is “hardly any taste of fruit or acidity”. Tesco must think differently.

In the apple category, there is further evidence that Pink Lady is gaining ground as some of the first Spanish fruit I have seen went on sale in Sainsbury’s.

Mixed fresh vegetable packs also appear to be continuing their expansion with the store’s 200g oriental vegetable medley at £1.49, below.

The pre-pack should appeal to customers who enjoy stir fry and includes Chinese broccoli, Pak Choi and Red Giant which, for the uninitiated is a strong mustard flavoured leaf. The contents themselves are grown in Zimbabwe, however.

Yet another mushroom mix (200g for £2.99) has made its appearance branded in the same manner by Sainsbury’s, below. The oyster mushrooms come from Leicestershire, with China providing the shi’itake.

On the citrus counter I was delighted to see that Ortanique is being packaged as something special. In the past the fruit has tended to be lumped together with easy peelers, although the taste and texture are quite different.

The originals come from Jamaica, although today the fruit is also known variously as Topaz, Tangor, Mandora and Ortaline. This may take some sorting out in consumers’ minds, particularly as the natural sport also contains a hint of grapefruit.

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