Today we celebrate the incredible diversity of the wonderful delicious apple.

Over the world there are over 2,300 types of the fruit to pick from, but here on these shores we stick to our traditional favourites such as the Granny Smith and the Cox – though recent trends have seen sweeter varieties like the Gala, Pink Lady and Jazz gain new levels of popularity.

However in the midst of all the pomp and circumstance surrounding the UK’s National Apple Day, there are some alarming statistics which have come to light, the most worrying one being that two-thirds of British orchards have been lost since the 1960s.

It doesn’t get much better when The Independent reported that the once-popular Bramley apple is declining as our supermarkets are catering for our fussy tastes by stocking more imports of the New Zealand Gala and Braeburn apples.

“An apple a day keeps the doctor away” might be an old phrase, but it’s actually rooted in some truth, after scientists at the University of Perugia found less tumours in regular eaters of the fruit.

They found that those who eat at least one apple per day were much less likely to suffer from lung, bowel, mouth, digestive tract or breat tumours than those who never eat the tasty fruit.

This research found that it could cut the risk of some cancers by up to 50%! What a tasty way to lower the risk of the illness.

But some lighter trivia: Did you know that a male throwing an apple towards a female was considered to be a legitimate marriage proposal, and that catching it was seen as binding acceptance?

But enough of the facts; we have put together this easy to make recipe that will help bring apples back into prominence.

Predominantly seen as an ingredient for desert dishes or as a snack item, this sumptuous bacon and apple is the perfect menu item for any type of establishment.

We’ve decided to share an amazing recipe that as far as we know, hasn’t been shared before. The combination of sweet, sour and spice is an amazing way to enjoy a superb British apple.

Spicy apple and bacon salad

Ingredients

• 2 slices of smoked bacon
• 1 apple
• 1 slice of white bread
• 1 tablespoon of olive oil
• 1 tablespoon of red wine vinegar
• Pinch of chilli flakes
• Selection of mixed herbs
• Mixed salad

Method

1. Pan-fry the bacon until golden and crisp, the ideal state for a bacon sandwich.
2. Peel and then slice the apple into chunks.
3. Remove the bacon from the pan and place onto your chopping board
4. Put the apples into the pan and cook until slightly soft.
5. Remove the apples and then cook the bread, again until browned.
6. Line a serving bowl with bread and then add the mixed salad, toss in the chilli flakes and bacon and then stir in the olive oil and red wine vinegar dressing.
7. Enjoy!