APPLE OF MY EYE

Heirloom apples are worth discovering

We’re in the heart of apple season, which means orchards everywhere are ripe with their latest harvest, attracting families looking to start or continue fall traditions while picking fruit from row upon row of bountiful trees. But ever notice that orchards seem to have become clones of one another? This is especially odd when you learn that there are more than 7,500 types of apples in the world (2,500 of which exist in the U.S. alone). Food and Wine magazine reports that in the United States, just 15 varietals account for roughly 90 percent of commercial production.

And while no one is taking anything away from the MacIntosh, Honey Crisp or Macoun, the Inevitable Gentleman would like to encourage you to step out of your comfort zone and expand your apple appreciation circle.

While the drive may take a little longer, seek out orchards that grow heirloom apples or unusual varietals and offer a wide range of tastes. Heirloom apples, which are passed down from generation to generation, in their purest form, may not look Instagram-ready, but their flavor is unmatched.

One such orchard is Scott Farm in Dummerston, Vermont which grows 130 varieties of ecologically-grown heirloom apples among other fruits and dates back to 1791. The farm works hard to preserve their heirloom varieties and makes them more widely available.

Some tasty, mouth-watering varieties include the Esopus Spitzenburg which is said to have been Thomas Jefferson’s favorite apple. So much so, that he planted dozens of trees at Monticello. The taste is a balance of sweet and tart with a spicy undertone.

Scott’s Winter is Vermont original with a tart taste and grainy flesh. This apple starts out on the sour spectrum, but mellows in storage to become sweeter.

An eye-catching apple, the Black Oxford has a veined deep purple skin that keeps so well that it’s sometimes referred to as “the rock. Its sweet taste makes it a natural for cooking, cider and eating.

The Chenango Strawberry ripens early (mid-August) and resembles a strawberry in shape and some say in flavor, too. It’s crisp, juicy and sweet.

So, the next time you get an apple craving, challenge yourself to explore and try a new variety. With thousands to choose from, it’s a pity to shut yourself off from an unexpected discovery.