New England ApplesPERHAPS THE MOST OVERLOOKED APPLES are the russets, undoubtedly due to their dull, rough-looking skin. It is a shame, as they are some of the most flavorful apples anywhere. Several varieties are especially prized for cider. Russeting occurs naturally in many varieties, but is seen as a defect in others. It may appear on a [...]
THIRTY-FIVE APPLE PIES in less than two hours. I paced myself this year, taking two bites from each — just enough to feel confident to rate the pies on appearance, presentation, crust, texture, and flavor. My stomach was full at the end and I felt mildly uncomfortable for the next few hours, but it was [...]
APPLE GROWERS SPEND THEIR YEAR trying to grow perfect fruit, and they succeed a remarkable amount of the time. The well-shaped, brilliantly colored, smooth-skinned apple is the norm at most orchards. But nature can be as messy as it is abundant, and invariably some fruit gets nicked or marred along the way. There are many [...]
TODAY, APPLES ARE BEING CELEBRATED AROUND THE REGION as part of the third annual New England Apple Day. The fresh crop is ready for harvest, and there should be a good supply of apples, in a full range of sizes, across the New England states. The commissioners of agriculture in the New England states will [...]
CORTLAND AND HONEYCRISP are two of the more popular apple varieties in New England, albeit for different reasons. The all-purpose Cortland has been a New England staple for more than a century. Honeycrisp is the region’s rising star—it has only been available commercially for the past 20 years. Cortlands are moderately juicy, with a sweet-tart [...]
