Tuesday, May 29, 2012

Unlikely spring Macoun

Macoun in autumn

Even in a good year, the delightful Macoun cannot be had for love or money after the end of March.

Yet I am eating one today at the tail end of May.

It's a wonderful apple in inferior shape, and eating one today is both rewarding and disappointing.

Nonetheless I eat for pleasure and by choice, not from obligation or loyalty.

Sunday, May 13, 2012

All is green

Part of the orchard at Hutchins Farm on May 13

The last time I visited Hutchins Farm in Concord (Mass.), it was April and the orchard was just beginning to blossom.

I returned earlier today to find the trees all set, gay blossoms put away, earnestly laboring (one hopes) to bring forth fruit this fall.

Thursday, May 3, 2012

Heirloom, antique, and heritage apples

So, what makes an apple an heirloom? Or antique?

Four apples colored yellow, gree, red, and brown

Is it just a matter of seniority, or is there more to it than that?