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[jinian]

Seattle folks: Get yourselves down to the Rising Sun produce stand at 65th and Roosevelt, because they've got Elstars. Many are a little soft (still great in pies!), and you'll have to watch out for spots and holes, but avid groping will disclose the firm and delicious apples remaining.

I've found several interesting apples in Whole Foods recently. (I really miss the festival of apples City Greens used to have before it turned into an Asian grocery and moved to Bothell. I had my first Ginger Gold from there.) Anyway: reviews!

Spitzenberg
Reportedly this apple was a favorite of Thomas Jefferson. Either (1) they grow 'em better in Virginia or (2) he hadn't had any really good apples. The one I bought was perfectly all right, not mealy, no bitter skin, decent appley flavor, but it didn't stand out in any way. I suspect it would disappear entirely in a pie.

Macoun
This parent of Honeycrisp is oh so redly red. Absolutely beautiful contrast of skin with white flesh. Sweet and good-smelling, not tart or intensely flavored.

Sonya
Not bad, but the world did not need another Fuji-type.

Comments

[shelly-rae.livejournal.com]

I'm a big fan of the Honeycrisp, like you'd expect, crisp white sweet flesh with a crunch. I've had some excellent Pink Ladies this season as well. Both of these I bought at Larry's market. I love it how the Larry's produce guys will let you sample the apples before you buy them!
Anon

[jinian.livejournal.com]

I'm really liking the new crop of Pink Ladies, too. Maybe it was a good year for them, or maybe I'm just getting the foofy organic ones now -- I don't remember them being so good last year.

[shelly-rae.livejournal.com]

They are often lumpy looking too which means that they probably get passed over as well. I've had good and so-so Pink Ladies in the past but you're right, this year's crop seems pretty darn yummy.
Anon