Some apples have a long and distinguished history. Others are simply discovered in the right place at the right time. October Pippin belongs to the latter group, having been found growing beside a creek on a farm in British Columbia. Its name is particularly fitting. The word pippin is an old term for an apple grown from seed, tracing its roots back to the French word pepin. As it happens, Pippin was also the name of the dog who lived on the farm where the apple was discovered. And October? Well, that's when this apple really comes into its own.

October Pippin is a wonderfully sweet, juicy apple with a satisfying crunch, snappy skin and smooth, creamy flesh. Its flavour is rich and aromatic, with a generous sweetness and perhaps even a hint of berries. But patience is part of the secret. Leave these apples hanging on the tree a little longer, soaking up the last of the autumn sunshine, and they develop an exceptional sweetness while retaining that lovely, satisfying crunch. It's an apple worth waiting for.

For all its interesting history, October Pippin is an easy apple to enjoy. It's particularly good for fresh eating, with plenty of juice and a flavour that makes reaching for a second one rather tempting. That sweetness and aromatic character should also make it excellent for fresh-pressed juice and a wonderful choice for applesauce. In baking, it would be a lovely addition to a blend of varieties, contributing sweetness and flavour alongside apples with a little more acidity. A chance discovery beside a creek has turned out to be a rather fortunate one for apple lovers.

• Origin: British Columbia, Canada. A chance seedling discovered growing beside a creek on a farm. Named for its late-October ripening season and the farm's dog, Pippin.

• Appearance: A handsome, small-medium rounded apple with rich crimson and rosy-red colouring over a golden-yellow background. Subtle streaks, small pale speckles and natural variations in colour give the skin plenty of character. Inside, the flesh is a lovely pale cream, with a smooth texture and a satisfying crunch.

• Flavour: Wonderfully sweet and exceptionally juicy, with rich, aromatic flavours and possible hints of berries. The flesh is smooth and creamy, with a satisfying crunch and a distinctive snap to the skin. Particularly sweet when allowed to fully ripen on the tree.

• Keeping: A late-season apple, typically ripening toward the end of October. Benefits from remaining on the tree to develop its full sweetness and flavour. 

• Uses: An excellent fresh-eating apple, particularly for those who enjoy sweeter varieties. Its juicy, aromatic flesh makes it a promising choice for fresh-pressed apple juice, while its natural sweetness is well suited to applesauce. Also a pleasant addition to baking blends, particularly when paired with a more tart variety.