MAIA test 20

Today's possibility is large medium, broad and tapered, with a red blush over green yellow and many, many tan lenticel dots.

Ribbing is negligible, and the apple bears a rich aroma of cider and vanilla.

Drink your fruit: Esopus Spitzenberg Cider

Cider is not my usual beat. Nor will it be. Nonetheless I enjoy and occasionally write about hard apple cider here. 

Stormalong, a Massachusetts-based cidery, offers a dry glass I've enjoyed in the past, though it is a little skimpy somehow on character.

When I found a four-pack sampler of their heritage ciders at farmers market back in November, I felt I had to try them.

EverCrisp redux

I've recently enjoyed chomping my way through a box of new apple varieties under development by the Midwest Apple Improvement Association.

Little did I know that the assortment included a ringer. Number 544 was really EverCrisp.

MAIA test 38*

Each of the many russet-brown lenticels on this tall, slightly tapered red apple is dimpled, for an unusual tactile sensation. 

Test 38 is large and has no appreciable ribbing. Its gloss is a bit shinier than a satin finish; its red has a touch of orange.

Best wishes for the new year

If winter comes, can spring be far behind?