Heirloom Apples

Apples are perhaps the most commonly grown and the most beloved of all Photo Courtesy of bernwodeplants.co.uk, with permission the fruits. They are also a fruit that enjoys a wide range of genetic diversity. Over the years, there have been literally thousands of apple varieties grown. Many of them were grown only in certain geographical areas while others have become renowned worldwide. Sadly, though, many apple varieties have fallen out of favor, have become extinct, or have simply faded into obscurity.

Go into a supermarket and the choices available are generally limited to only five or six varieties. Granny Smiths, Jonathans, Golden Delicious, Red Delicious and MacIntosh are the most available choices, although some supermarkets are starting to stock other varieties such as Paula Reds and Braeburns as well. Go to a farm stand, and the choices might be a bit better, but not by much. From the practical standpoint, growers and shippers have to offer the sturdiest apples and have to offer apples that hold up well in storage. It is also simply impossible for the retail market to offer thousands of different apples to the consumer. While all of this is understandable, it is a shame since so many people are growing up with fixed ideas about what an apple should look and taste like.

Many of the older varieties fell out of favor because they didn't ship well, perhaps they were a bit prone to disease, or perhaps they didn't keep as well as some of the modern varieties. Maybe their size and color wasn't perfect. There are many reasons that some of the old varieties have fallen out of favor. But, in the interest of preserving some of the heritage of the apple and to maintain a link with the past, growing antique apples has become a hobby for many orchardists and home gardeners.

I have had the opportunity to visit a family-owned apple orchard that grows quite a few of the older varieties in a separate hobby orchard , and the taste and texture of some of these fruits are a real eye-opener. All of the fruits that I sampled were distinctly different, yet very much "apple" in taste. Most of them were more "apple" in flavor than any of the other apples that are now commercially available. Because of this experience, I have decided to grow at least one antique apple. The following are descriptions of some of the apples of yesteryear, and following that are some links for the trees themselves as well as for the fruits and a very special orchard to visit in our region:

'Summer Rambo': Originated in France in the 1530's. Fruit is Red with stripes, and is used for sauce, pies, and cooking. It is also good for eating when very ripe.

'Calville Blanc D'Hiver': Originated in France in the late 1590's. The fruit is yellow with a red blush and is a French specialty apple of gourmet quality, a good for all-purpose apple.

'Fameuse' (Snow): Originated in Quebec in the 1600's. It is red over white with pink tones and is used for cooking, juice, cider, and fresh eating.

'Rhode Island Greening': Originated in Rhode Island in the 1650's. It has large, green, very tart fruit good for pies, ciders and sauces.

'Newtown Pippin': Originated in New York in 1700. The fruit is yellowish-green with white spots and often russeted. It is a good all-purpose apple.

'Baldwin': Originated in Massachusetts in 1740. This apple is blush red on green and streaked with red. It is a good all-purpose apple and is wonderful for apple pie.

'Spitzenberg': Originated in New York in 1790. Fruit is yellow with red and has faint spots and streaks. It is of dessert quality, for eating fresh out-of-hand.

'Northern Spy': Originated in New York in 1800. This is a red and yellow all-purpose apple. It is good for eating out-of-hand as well as for other apple uses.

'Cox's Orange Pippin': Originated in England in 1830. This is England's premier dessert apple. It is yellow and red, streaked with red and is superb for eating, also good for cooking, sauces, and cider.

'Duchess of Oldenburg': Originated in Russia in 1832. It is yellow with red stripes and spots and used for cooking, sauces, and pies.

'Grime's Golden': Originated in the part of the upper south now known as West Virginia in 1832. This is one of the parents of 'Golden Delicious' and it is good for baking, particularly in pies, for applesauce, and for apple cider.

'Blue Permain': Originated in New England in 1833. This apple is deep red to red purple with dots and a bluish bloom. It is a good baking apple.

'Chenango Strawberry': Originated in New York in 1850. This apple is light greenish-yellow striped with bright red. It is a good all-purpose apple.

'Wolf River': Originated in Wisconsin in the 1860's. The fruit is dark red over yellow and very large in size. This is famous as the, "One apple will make a whole pie" apple. Use for sauce, pies, and cooking.

The following are some interesting heirloom apple-related links to explore:

Southmeadow Fruit Gardens: Located in the heart of Michigan's orchard region in Baroda, Southmeadow offers many fine heirloom apple trees and other unique fruits and plants.

Applesource: At Applesource, you will find advice on growing apples and many apple products, including a sampler of modern and antique apples that will be shipped directly to you. This is a great way to discover the differences and nuances between apples. There are also some suggestions for an apple tasting party!

Tree-Mendus Fruit: Here is another great place in Michigan to visit. Tree-Mendus is located inland from Lake Michigan in Eau Claire, southwestern lower Michigan. If you have a chance to visit this orchard, please do so! They grow many fruits here, including antique apples and modern varieties. There are many events during the growing season, you can rent a tree, and you can also order their heritage apple sampler.

Apples are like fine wine: Each one has its own unique color and fragrance, taste and texture. What we buy and consume barely scratches the surface of all that is available in the world of apples. While most of us can't grow acres of different apple varieties, we can all become a little more familiar with some of the gems of the species, the apples of antiquity. Perhaps we can all find the space for one of these special trees in our own yards. By doing so, we can provide a link from the past to the future by growing these wonderful apple trees of days gone by.