Not simply apples within the Orchard County

Apples are normally the very first thing you concentrate on when somebody mentions Armagh, the Orchard County.

Thousands are grown within the county’s countryside, therefore the nickname – however there’s loads of different native produce is on show on the annual Food and Cider Weekend which kicks off on Thursday.

“The orchards may be the biggest but it’s not the only thing that’s important,” native beekeeper Christine Marshall informed BBC News NI.

The enterprise proprietor, from Markethill, makes a variety of beeswax merchandise, nevertheless it’s her honey that all the time proves hottest.

“Honey has a big local aspect in Armagh,” she informed BBC News NI.

“Its benefits are known here and it’s nice to meet people that benefit from it.

“We have wealthy agriculture in Armagh, I do not suppose there’s sufficient mentioned about it, we’d like extra festivals to showcase all the things there’s on provide.”

She added that the bees are also big fans of County Armagh.

“We are the very best county for them, for flowers and crops for the bees,” she mentioned.

“It’s arduous to beat dwelling.”

There are pale ales, stout and gin, but no cider at Ryan McCracken’s brewery and distillery in Portadown.

“I wished to do one thing completely different,” Mr McCracken told BBC News NI.

“Armagh is understood for sensible cider producers and there was a spot and I like beer.”

The business owner said he had never tried craft beer until he went on a beer tour and then his wife got him a home brew kit.

“It’s how most individuals begin out nevertheless it all grew from there – personal recipes and native components.”

Mr McCracken uses Armagh oats for his Irish stout and local heather is put into his gin alongside 11 other botanicals.

“These have distinct flavours and it is essential to me to have that,” he mentioned.

“Sourced and acquired regionally, our labels, our uniforms, are all made simply down the road.”

He said the people of Armagh are the reason his business continues.

“You help them and also you get the help again,” he mentioned.

“We would not have gotten right here with out everybody – and it is nice to get folks making an attempt new issues.

“Armagh is more than cider, it’s brilliant for producing local artisan teams with food and drink and all sorts.”

Bob Taylor owns a woodcraft enterprise in Portadown.

While he can have many merchandise on provide, he additionally caters to the apple market with small chopping boards.

“Apples on their own would be boring,” he added.

“Going to events and markets like this and seeing so much more local produce, just like the cider, it’s fantastic.”

Mr Taylor mentioned his craft was only a pastime that grew with assist from the native council and neighborhood.

“This was an evening/weekend hobby for me and now it’s grown and getting the recognition is great,” he mentioned.

“I wasn’t getting recognition and then I got support, fantastic support and kept practising, and now I’m here.”

He mentioned the extra occasions held in Armagh the stronger the help will get.

“Next year there’ll be more. Presence is important and I have already been supported hugely by the community – it’s so great to see.”