Apples

Apples

HONEYCRISP


Developed at the Horticulture Research Center at the University of Minnesota, the first seedling was planted in 1962. After it passed the test for further growing, Minnesota 1711 entered the record books in 1974. The 1711 did not perform well initially perhaps due to where it was planted in the orchard. Fortunately, a research scientist discovered how fabulous this apple was in the early 80's, and testing began at various locations throughout Minnesota. In 1991 the Honeycrisp was released to the public - a Minnesota winner!

The Honeycrisp is a cross between the Honeygold and Macoun apple varieties, and is considered one of the more flavorful apples available today - crisp texture, high juice content, and a good sweet/tart mix. The Honeycrisp currently demands a high dollar amount at retail, however, it is anticipated that once more fruit is produced, the cost of this delicious apple will settle down.

Over one million trees have been propagated, and the Honeycrisp is being grown throughout the apple-growing areas of the US and Canada. The best fruit appears to be grown in cooler climates and does well in upstate New York, Maine, Wisconsin, Washington, Michigan, Eastern Canada, and Minnesota. This is a hardy tree that has survived the harsh winters of the Northland -- it likes a lot of sun, fertile soil and water.

The Honeycrisp apple is believed to be one of the best apples ever introduced - meeting the demand is the major challenge with this fruit. Growers say all they have to do is put a sign out saying they have Honeycrisps available and the crowds rush in. The learning process for growing a new variety fruit is on-going. The Honeycrisp, however, seems to sell itself - it is a large, attractive apple that tastes fabulous! You can enjoy it fresh out-of-hand, in salads, desserts (great pie apple), and for sauce.

Local conventionally grown Honeycrisps should be arriving soon - we will keep you updated.

Enjoy

FUJI APPLES

fuji Apples Anthropological data on Stone Age people in Europe found that apples were there with them! Greek and Roman mythology refer to apples as symbols of love and beauty. Cultivation of apples started in England around the first century after England was conquered by the Romans. And, believe it or not, but this is documented truth, William Tell did in fact gain fame by shooting an apple off his son's head at the order of invaders of Switzerland.

Apple seeds and cuttings were brought to Massachusetts from England on the Mayflower. Apple stocks were brought to Virginia and the Southwest by other Europeans. John Chapman, as our history lessons taught us, became famous for planting trees throughout Ohio, Indiana and Illinois. Mr. Chapman's name later became "Johnny Appleseed". Apple seeds from an apple given to a London sea capitan around 1820 are sometimes said to be the origin of the State of Washington apple crop - the largest apple growing state today!

There are about 8,000 varieties of apples known around the world, and about 100 varieties are grown commercially in the U.S., with the top 10 comprising over 90% of the commercial crops. As America was becoming settled, nearly every farm grew some apples. Today, the annual U.S. crop exceeds 220,000,000 bushels!

New varieties of apples are being discovered and cultivated today, and a few heirloom varieties are now enjoying a resurgence.

A relatively recent arrival, the Fuji Apple was developed in Japan in 1939. Production began in 1958 in Japan, and Fujis have developed a loyal following since its arrival in the U.S. The Fuji Apple has recently become the third most popular apple here, and the most widely planted variety worldwide.

The Fuji Apple is generally large and ranges in color from a greenish background with a red blush to a brighter red. The flesh of the Fuji is extremely crisp and juicy, and stays that way longer than any other sweet apple. The Fuji's appeal is the complexity of sweetness and tang. The flavor of the Fuji, like a fine wine, actually improves with age! According to numerous tests, the Fuji can be stored for up to 9 months without significant losses in quality.

Store Fujis in the refrigerator in a sealed container - apples will take on odors from other foods - left out of refrigeration they will become mealy. The certified organic Fuji Apples we are offering are from controlled atmosphere cold storage, although they taste like they were just picked. These apples are delicious, contain many vitamins, minerals, nutrients, pectin, fiber and phytochemicals --"An apple a day...." J&J offers PREMIUM certified organic Fuji Apples - considered the highest quality available.

Fuji Apples are great eaten out of hand, included in fresh fruit salads with nuts and raisins, baked - the Fuji stays intact when baked - and can be roasted for total culinary enjoyment! Fuji apples added to fresh carrot or other juices (beets, celery, pears) will provide a real flavor treat.

Here are some tips and trivia for the fresh apple:
 

  • Rub cut apples with lemon juice to keep from turning brown
  • Apples - all varieties - are the second most important fruit sold next to bananas
  • In ancient Greece, tossing an apple to your sweetheart was a traditional proposal of marriage; catching it was ACCEPTANCE!
  • Our apple hero Johnny Appleseed did indeed spread the cultivation of apples in the U.S. However, knowing what he did about apples, he did not distribute seeds because apples, of course, do not grow true to type from seeds He established nurseries in Pennsylvania and Ohio!
  • Three medium-sized apples weight approximately one pound
  • One pound of apples - peeled and cored - measure 4-1/2#
  • 2 pounds of whole apples will make a 9-inch pie

ORIN

Orin Apples A deliciously sweet new and unique apple variety from Japan, Orin apples are quickly becoming the apple of everyone's eye.

Seasons Availability:
Look for C/A Orin apples FEB-APRIL

Description/Taste
Medium to large in size, the crisp-textured Orin apple is securely encased in a russeted yellow-green skin that resists bruising. Sweet, juicy and aromatic, this very tasty apple is low in acid. Some say it has somewhat of a pineapple flavor while others describe it as having a subtle pear-like taste. Whatever, the extraordinary Orin apple offers an unusual and unique new taste that apple fans will surely want to try.

Applications
Taste this apple's goodness whether enjoyed fresh, baked, microwaved, sautéed or made into apple butter or succulent applesauce. Apples make a delicious side dish, dessert or accompaniment to a variety of savory foods. Add its fruity pizzazz to ho-hum meatloaf. For a quick and easy snack, top apple slices with peanut butter or cheddar cheese. Perk up dull coleslaw. To store, keep apples as cold as possible in the refrigerator."

Ethnic/Cultural Info
Considered a true delicacy in Japan, this sweet apple ranks as the number three apple choice in that country. It is customary in Japan to slice apples and share them with family and friends after meals and on special occasions.

Geography/History
Not only loved for fantastic fragrance, terrific taste and exceptional good looks, apple stories, legends and folktales from around the globe tell the world about the magnificent magic of apples. Eating certain apples could make one live forever and an apple at the end of the world would save a dying king. However, the hero had to find the specially empowered apple and deliver it to the doomed king just in the nick of time. On a lighter note, having the same parents as the Mutsu and Shizuka, Orin apples are a cross of the Golden Delicious by Indo of Japan and loved for its exceptional sweet taste and appealing attractive color. This special variety is considered a delicacy in its native Japanese homeland. Orin apples are grown in Canada and New Zealand.