I'm used to thinking I've had every variety from farmers market that vendors are willing to sell there. So I did a double take when I spotted Kendall, then unknown to me, at this week's market.
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Kendall is a large round apple, oblate with next to no ribbing. Its blush is the streaky red of the Mac family over green, with many large light lenticels. That blush can be a saturated pretty red in spots.
Its shiny peel suggests natural wax. There's no aroma and the calyx is closed.
Inside, green-white flesh is medium coarse and juicy, a bit tender. Kendall's flavors are mild and sweet, with vinous notes, berries, and hints of plums and watermelon-flavored candy.
Compared to McIntosh Kendall is bigger, less tart, less crisp, and less complex, but it is clearly a member of the family.
There's a faint astringent aftertaste.
Multiple sources identify Kendall as a McIntosh x Zussof cross bred by noted pomologist Richard Wellington in the early 20th century.
Just ran across your post on these apples and would like to purchase a tree to plant in my garden. Haven't found any growers offering the Kendall for sale. Any sources would be aprreciated. Thanks
ReplyDeleteThis is a tough question. For what it's worth:
Delete1) Pretty sure mine were from Demerritt Hill Farm in SE New Hampshire. You could ask them.
2) If you are posting from the U.S., definitely ask your state's agricultural extension service.
3) Maybe someone with a better answer will post it here (it does happen).
I suspect this will not be easy. Kendall is neither terribly popular nor a beloved heritage variety.
It is in the public domain, though, so if you can locate budwood you might be able to pay a nursery to graft it for you.
Good luck!