Where it's grown
Great Tong Farm
Situated in the Weald of Kent, nr. Sutton Valence, Great Tong farm has been owned by the Day family for over 90 years with five generations of the family enjoying the growing business enterprises of this environmentally friendly farm. In order to survive the changing world of farming Great Tong farm diversified in 1978 to include a small business diversification enterprise within the working farm.
The farm enjoys a wonderful diversity of wildlife, flora and fauna as well as interesting old buildings built of Bethersden Marble quarried from the farm in 1700s. With the Days being only the second owners since 1610 the family like to imagine that the original tenants in the 1600s would recognise many of the current features of the farm.
Friday Street Farm
Friday Street Farm has been home to the Skinner family since 1892 and is currently being farmed by the fourth and fifth generations.
The farm itself stretches from the very top of the Greensand Ridge down to where the Ridge meets The Weald at the bottom. The Greensand Ridge offers the perfect growing conditions for apples. The soil is fertile and alkaline due to the chalk that lies underneath the top soil. The chalk also means that the farm drains well, an important factor in fruit growing. The Ridge faces south, maximising our time in the sun and protected from those cold north winds. Warmth and light are important factors in sugar development and skin colour.
Chittenden Farm
The Breach family have been growing fruit at Chittenden Farm, near Staplehurst, since 1958. Prior to this, the family owned two farms in England, having also farmed in Tazmania. The family's main focus is now on fruit growing, and a wide selection of both traditional and new varieties of apples, pears and many other fruits grow on the farm.
Biddenden Vineyards
The fruit is pressed and bottled at Biddenden Vineyards - Kent's oldest commercial vineyard. The full range of juices are available from the vineyard shop which is open throughout the year with free admission & tastings. For further details on visiting the vineyard please visit BiddendenVineyards.com.