Gravenstein, and its sporty red sibling, may be the most sophisticated of the early apples. It has a complex taste and there is a Gravenstein Apple Fair in Sebastopol California every August. The medium-sized, modestly ribbed fruit is mostly green with a streaky red blush and tan spots. Its white-green flesh is firm, crisp and juicy. The taste is a balanced tart-and-sweet, with spice and floral notes. There is a tiny bit of pine towards the finish. Similar to a Red Gravenstein, but not as sweet. The Gravenstein Apple Fair folks provide recipes, history, and other juicy stuff about the Gravenstein.
An amateur explores the pomaceous fruit