Pink lady the star attraction
The legacy of the Manjimup-grown, world-famous pink lady apple was celebrated over the weekend, acknowledging the development of the Cripps pink 40 years ago.
Originally developed by former apple grower John Cripps, what began as an ambitious experiment has resulted in decades of international pink lady apple exports.
Individual organisations and growers held events over the weekend, celebrating the pink lady’s success for local growers on an international scale.
These events included the Pink Lady and Pork Luncheon, held at the Lyster Orchards on Saturday.
Mr Cripps was the guest of honour at the luncheon and he said he was glad to have created the apple breeding program that started it all.
“Apple breeding is still one of the most important things at the Manjimup Horticultural Research Institute, ” he said.
Mr Cripps said the pink lady apple had benefited a lot of growers in Manjimup and around the country.
“I didn’t think it would get so big, ” he said.
“I knew it would be a useful export, but nothing on the scale it has.”
Mr Cripps said he loved the pink lady apple for its good sugar content, crispiness and the fact it stored well.
Pink Lady and Pork Luncheon organiser Ann Lyster said planning for the event began in November.
“I’ve had a vision for a long time, involving high quality food and the pink lady apple, ” Mrs Lyster said.
“We’re proud of the pink lady apple, other things have come and gone but the pink lady has stayed.”
Perth celebrity butcher Vince Garreffa, from Mondo Butchers, hosted the luncheon, presenting and carving a pork roast.
“I was excited to come down and join in the celebrations, I love Manjimup and I love growers like the Lysters and Fontaninis, ” he said.
“Down here is a plethora of products Perth doesn’t know about.”
Mr Garreffa said he was shocked when he discovered the pink lady originated in Manjimup.
Other celebrations included a pink lady-themed Manjimup Farmers’ Markets on Saturday, which included cooking demonstrations and plenty of pink lady apples sales.
