AG Thames has launched what it believes to be the UK’s first commercially available naturally red apple juice.
Red Love is an entirely British apple juice. It is produced in Kent by Biddenden Vineyards, in conjunction with AG Thames. AG Thames is the only company with the rights to grow the variety in the UK for commercial purposes, and this is done in conjunction with East Malling Research, where the trees are planted.
Red Love is a Swiss variety which has been developed over the past 25 years by Markus Kobelt, founder of plant nursery and fruit grower Lubera.
Kobelt has cross-pollinated a range of red-fleshed, sweet and disease-resistant apple varieties to create a naturally red-skinned, red-fleshed apple.
The new product is available as of today (16 November) in one litre and 250ml bottles, with a naturally red cider scheduled for release in April 2016.
Francis Wheatley, technical manager at AG Thames, said: “We are very excited to be working with Biddenden Vineyards to create the UK’s first naturally red apple juice. Other red apple juices on the UK market tend to be coloured with ingredients such as Beetroot, but the Red Love variety naturally produces a beautiful ruby red juice when it is pressed and filtered.
“The first Red Love trees were planted at East Malling Research in June 2012 and we are thrilled to finally have the finished product. Working with Biddenden to develop the juice has ensured a consistent, high-quality juice.”
The juice has no added colourants, sugars or chemicals. Also rich in healthy anthocyanins, the Red Love variety contains a higher concentration of antioxidants than the average white-fleshed apple, and a 150ml serving contributes towards one of your 5 A DAY.
Julian Barnes, managing director at Biddenden Vineyards, said: “Red Love juice has an incredible sweet and tangy taste, with a long-lasting flavour from the good levels of tannins. A perfect base for cocktails, an exquisite non-alcoholic alternative at weddings and parties, ideal for children and diabetics, or just as an everyday drink, Red Love is a new vibrant twist on the classic, much-loved apple juice drink.”
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