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Chestnut Crabapple week

A wooden crate of small brownish apples with a mounted card identifying them as Chestnut Crabapple
Making the scene at the Arlington, Massachusetts, farmers market yesterday. ¶ 

Those are Macouns lurking in the back, but this is the week for the Chestnut Crab. ¶ 

It's about a week too early for marvelous Macoun. And those Chestnuts are really good.

Chestnut Crabapple

They are small but mighty apple concentrates. From my 2009 review:

The rich flavor, with a little pear, honey and orange juice, is even throughout. One had a hint of vanilla. These flavors harmonize very well.

Or, as the grower likes to say,

Close up of the card mounted over the crate of apples. I treads as follows: Chestnut Crab. Heirloom Apple. Crisp, juicy, and delightfully sweet. Hints of pear, honey, orange, and vanilla. This apple is good for eating, jams, and sauce. Needs no sugar for a sweet and subtle applesauce! Cross between a Malinda and a and a Siberian crabapple. $4/pound.
Are they quoting somebody?

Obviously I agree about the flavors. Gotta say I don't see how an apple that was introduced in 1946 (by the University of Minnesota breeding program) is an "heirloom," however tasty.

Also at the market this week (with newcomers in italics): Cortland, Fuji, Gala, Ginger Gold, Honeycrisp, Macoun, McIntosh, Shamrock, and Zestar.

And Chestnut Crab makes 10. This could be the last call for Ginger Gold and Zestar.

The Chestnut Crabapples will probably be around next week too, but maybe not, and if you miss out don't blame me!

A pile of small piebald apples, red, olive, and russet colors

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