October roars in like a pride of lions—at least in terms of the breadth of
choice in what you can pick or buy at the orchard, farm stand, or farmers
market. By Halloween, however, the riot of choices will have dwindled.
In the mean time, enjoy!
McIntosh
and
Macoun, king
and queen of autumn, belong at the top of any list of apples to buy this
month, at least in the Northeast. Indeed these beauties are at peak
now, depending on where you live.
What are you waiting for?
Also towards the beginning of the month it is worth seeking out
Cox's Orange Pippin, the more so if you have never had the pleasure. This variety is wonderfully
complex and satisfying.
Cox keeps well, and is said to improve with some time in storage, but their
harvest is very soon--and they go fast.
October is a great month for heirlooms, keepers, and winter apples--which will
be harvested today and eaten into the late fall and even the winter. It is an
opportunity to try something old, if new to you, and a little different.
Along those lines, I will be seeking the doughty
Blue Pearmain
later this month. Try one yourself to experience Henry David Thoreau's
favorite apple.
|
Orleans Reinette |
Finally, I look forward to any of the
russets
this month. These diminutive suede-jacketed fruits pack some great flavors
and are great keepers. The
Golden Russets
were especially good last year.
As always, where you get your apples, and how they are been handled and
stored, matters. Closer to the tree is generally better, although
modern storage techniques
allow even the fruit in your supermarket—sometimes—to be wonderfully fresh and crisp.
Have a
great fall!