MAIA test 47

I got 2 of these possible apples from the Midwest Apple Improvement Association, one picked on September 26 and the other on October 10.

What's "possible" about 47 is that this variety could be selected for further development. Someday, it could get a catchy name and be available in orchards or supermarkets.

In the meantime, these two samples look similar: a yellow apple with green highlights, oblate, with gray lenticels. 

But the September apple has a bit of a blush, like an orange glow, around the calyx (which is open). I assume this apple was showing itself to the sun there.

These are large apples, but the October pick is bigger.

Both of these smell marvelous, a rich, almost buttery cider-and-pear aroma.

Tasting 47

September's has light yellow flesh, medium-fine-grained and on the dense side, and not terribly juicy. October's is wetter.

It is mild and easy to eat, with floral notes and some spice accents. There is a little pear, and some richness like cream soda, but not very well organized.

47s crunch is perfectly decent, and might have been even more so a month ago or two. But it is not the explosive crackle that dominates the market these days. 

On the other hand, there is something pleasantly substantial about this apple.

Besides being juicier, October's has perhaps a very little melon that I missed in the earlier-picked sample. Its flesh is a bit more granular, and its crunch not quite as good.

Will 47 graduate to be a named variety? It does not, alas, live up to its wonderful aroma, but it's also not bad.