Winesap vs. Stayman Smackdown

At farmers market, careless vendors sometimes confuse these two varieties, which are thought to be related (Stayman, son of Winesap). But they are not the same.

How then does each stack up against the other?

Both are classically shaped red apples. Winesap (at left), still sometimes know as Winesop for its savory notes, has a blush that is less complete than Stayman's. Still, at its darkest the Winesap blush approaches a very similar hue.

Where the blush is more tentative, however, Winesap shows tan lenticels, and there are unblushed green regions on the apple.

My Stayman, also known as Stayman Winesap, is wider and blushes a darker, purpler red, with dramatic light lenticel spots. This is enlivened by traces of a light smokey bloom.

Stayman's peel is a little more satiny than that of shinier Winesap. It is the prettier apple.

But, it is Round 2 that counts the most: what's inside.

There, Winesap is crisp, with juicy flesh that is medium coarse, a very light yellow shot with green highlights.

The flavors are delicate and a little watery, but include that savory quality I noted in my review and for which this variety is no doubt named.

The peel is thick and chewy.

The inside of my Stayman is similar: a little whiter, more fine-grained and less juicy, but still crisp and refreshing.

Not as crisp as Winesap, however—or as fragile.

Stayman is more substantial, and an excellent keeper. I think it must be for these reasons that it is often judged the finer of the pair.

The fruity flavors are a little more pronounced, and in addition to the savory note there is the whisper of some pear mixed with the ghost of vanilla.

These are also present in papa Winesap, though, along with some cidery goodness. I think the savory note is clearer in Winesap, too.

These apples are so similar that must be related. I rated them both with 2 stars.

But if I have to pick a winner, it is Winesap by the slimmest margin.