MAIA test 68

Today's apple is courtesy of David Doud of the Midwest Apple Improvement Association.

The apple doesn't have a name (and may never earn one), but this is the breeding co-op that brought us Evercrisp.

David provided two 68s, one picked October 8 and the other October 24.

Of two apples, the earlier is bigger and leans to the side like a drunken sailor. The later version (shown) is medium sized and has a darker red blush. 

But both are at lopsided and streaky red over yellow, with patches of russet that are especially pronounced on the earlier sample.

Both are flat at top and bottom, with a slight taper, and have stems with reddish tints. 

The bigger guy's tan lenticel dots are are themselve large, compared to those on the later sample. I imagine a growth spurt stretching those pores out.

The apples are breaking crisp, with coarse grained yellow flesh, more sweet than tart. Flavors are floral with cane sugar. 

The later, redder apple is slightly more flavorful with generic spice and citric notes.

68 is sweet for my tastes, but still refreshing, with a great crunch.