Tangled Branches: Cultivated
happenings in and around my zone 6b gardens in northern Virginia and in central Virginia
Sunday, November 02, 2008
Vintage Apples
What with post-pepper depression and pre-election tension, my blog muse fell silent. I needed something new and different for inspiration and found it yesterday at Vintage Virginia Apples. Did you ever go to a wine tasting where there were so many different wines that you left confused instead of educated? This was almost like that. Lots of apples available to taste and buy and not a McIntosh or Red Delicious in sight. I read through their catalog online before I got there and had in mind a few particular varieties that I wanted to try.
Black Twig is a longtime favorite of mine, but I wanted to compare it to Arkansas Black. Do I have a new favorite? Maybe. At this moment in time, Arkansas Black has a brighter, sweeter, almost berry-like flavor. The catalog says, however, that Black Twig must be stored for a while in order to develop its flavor. We'll have to wait for the final comparison, or perhaps there shouldn't be a comparison - Arkansas Black is good to eat now, and Black Twig will be just as good to eat later (fingers crossed because I bought a lot more Black Twig than Arkansas Black).
I was tempted by the appearance of a pink-blushed one, tasted it, liked it, bought it, and forgot her name. Sorry. Should have taken notes.
Thomas Jefferson is said to have grown Pomme Gris at Monticello, and Jefferson had excellent taste. You wouldn't guess how good this apple is from the way it looks. It's not really gris, but more of a dull indistinct yellow-brown. Inside, the yellow flesh is crisp, slightly dry, quite sweet, with a lingering "apple" flavor. This one is definitely on the shortlist for the prospective orchard at Tangled Branches South.
And I can't leave off without saying a good word for the cider - pricy, $10 a gallon, but very very very good. This is the best cider I've tasted in a long time. Right up there with Edwards' and that's saying something.
Labels: apples
5 Comments:
I had no idea there were so many different types of apples. I would much rather go to an apple tasting than a wine tasting I think. Bet it was good! You reminded me to get some cider.
What a coincidence... just today we picked up another box of apples from our favorite cider/wine maker. She has a booth at our local farmers market and we've come to be friends with her over the past two years. This is the third box we've gotten from her and each time she includes a wide variety of apples she grows in her orchard and uses in her cider mixes. Today, she identified three different heirloom varieties in our box. Totally fascinating. And you are right, the individual flavor of each variety is amazing!
I haven't had the pleasure of any of these apples! A good apple is a great treat! Many years ago...I lived near an apple orchard that sold unique and tasty apples...I need to find another source of tasty treats...the same old same old gets old! Thanks for the tasty post. Gail
Tina: Most of the orchards around here have the usual varieties, so seeing all these was a treat. Enjoy your cider!
ShibaGuyz: You're lucky to have such a great resource. I'd love to know more about cider blending. We really liked what we bought Saturday - it's very noticeably different (better) than what we can buy at another local orchard.
Gail: Most of the varieties on offer were ones I never heard of. There was a large crowd in attendance too - it appears there's plenty of demand for these unusual apples.
Oooh... I wish that I could taste all of them, from the "gray" apple to the two blacks! They all look so good. :) If only we had cool things like apple tastings around here...
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