Historic Apple Varieties III
Feb 12, 2024 17:14:36 #
1. Orleans Reinette
The origin of this variety is uncertain, but it is thought to have been discovered in France, 18th century. One of the best fresh eating varieties, it gained popularity in the UK in the late 19th century.
2. Blue Pearmain
The origin of Blue Pearmain is uncertain, but it was best known in the US, and was once widely planted near Boston, as far back as the early 1800s. It is reputed to be the favorite variety of apple connoisseur and author Henry David Thoreau. Although he preferred wild apples to cultivars, Blue Pearmain is mentioned favorably in his essay Wild Apples. "For I do not refuse the Blue-Pearmain, I fill my pockets on each side; and as I retrace my steps in the frosty eve, being perhaps four or five miles from home, I eat one first from this side, and then from that, to keep my balance." The Thoreau essay is well worth the read if you have a chance.
Author Rowan Jacobson talks about Blue Pearmain in his Apples of Uncommon Character: "The look of the Blue Pearmain is half the pleasure. It starts in September as an impressionist’s masterpiece of swirling reds, oranges, and yellows, then, as fall goes by, it deepens into a dark burgundy with blackish streaks and a powdery blue bloom over the surface, as if night was falling and the last colors were draining from the sky."
3. Blenheim Orange
Yes, Blenheim Orange is my username, and this apple variety is where I got the name. The variety was found as a chance seedling at Woodstock, Oxfordshire near Blenheim in England in 1740. It is both a desert and a culinary apple with a distinctive nutty taste. Popularity of the variety exploded in the early 1800s in Europe and in the US, but it is rare now. It is perhaps the most vigorous of all apple varieties, with the trees growing to 30 feet or more.
4. Carla
An ancient variety thought to have originated in Italy. I don't know much about it, but I got samples from Eastman Orchard in Michigan. I thought the flavor and texture were exceptional. (I do eat them after the photo sessions.)
Previous installments:
Historic Apple Varieties I
Historic Apple Varieties II
The origin of this variety is uncertain, but it is thought to have been discovered in France, 18th century. One of the best fresh eating varieties, it gained popularity in the UK in the late 19th century.
2. Blue Pearmain
The origin of Blue Pearmain is uncertain, but it was best known in the US, and was once widely planted near Boston, as far back as the early 1800s. It is reputed to be the favorite variety of apple connoisseur and author Henry David Thoreau. Although he preferred wild apples to cultivars, Blue Pearmain is mentioned favorably in his essay Wild Apples. "For I do not refuse the Blue-Pearmain, I fill my pockets on each side; and as I retrace my steps in the frosty eve, being perhaps four or five miles from home, I eat one first from this side, and then from that, to keep my balance." The Thoreau essay is well worth the read if you have a chance.
Author Rowan Jacobson talks about Blue Pearmain in his Apples of Uncommon Character: "The look of the Blue Pearmain is half the pleasure. It starts in September as an impressionist’s masterpiece of swirling reds, oranges, and yellows, then, as fall goes by, it deepens into a dark burgundy with blackish streaks and a powdery blue bloom over the surface, as if night was falling and the last colors were draining from the sky."
3. Blenheim Orange
Yes, Blenheim Orange is my username, and this apple variety is where I got the name. The variety was found as a chance seedling at Woodstock, Oxfordshire near Blenheim in England in 1740. It is both a desert and a culinary apple with a distinctive nutty taste. Popularity of the variety exploded in the early 1800s in Europe and in the US, but it is rare now. It is perhaps the most vigorous of all apple varieties, with the trees growing to 30 feet or more.
4. Carla
An ancient variety thought to have originated in Italy. I don't know much about it, but I got samples from Eastman Orchard in Michigan. I thought the flavor and texture were exceptional. (I do eat them after the photo sessions.)
Previous installments:
Historic Apple Varieties I
Historic Apple Varieties II
Feb 13, 2024 08:27:57 #
Feb 13, 2024 18:34:50 #
Feb 14, 2024 23:58:27 #
Reuss Griffiths
Loc: Ravenna, Ohio
I'm curious. How is it that you have access to so many species of apples? I'm beginning to suspect that you're rotating some of them 180 degrees as representing them as a different type of apple. My fav so far are Melrose apples.
Feb 15, 2024 12:34:46 #
Feb 16, 2024 17:33:20 #
Reuss Griffiths wrote:
I'm curious. How is it that you have access to so many species of apples? I'm beginning to suspect that you're rotating some of them 180 degrees as representing them as a different type of apple. My fav so far are Melrose apples.
All cultivated apple varieties are the same species - Malus domestica. Varieties don't grow true to seed and are propagated vegetatively.
I spent many years seeking out unusual apple varieties.
Melrose is a pretty mediocre variety.
Feb 16, 2024 17:33:44 #
Feb 16, 2024 19:09:05 #
Reuss Griffiths
Loc: Ravenna, Ohio
Blenheim Orange wrote:
All cultivated apple varieties are the same species - Malus domestica. Varieties don't grow true to seed and are propagated vegetatively.
I spent many years seeking out unusual apple varieties.
Melrose is a pretty mediocre variety.
I spent many years seeking out unusual apple varieties.
Melrose is a pretty mediocre variety.
Touche
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