Deane (Nine Ounce)

Deane, evidently, is one of those apples that can grow quite large. My biggest sample is 12 inches around. ¶ 

These are oblate and round with some ribbing. My photograph shows a lopsided lump on this one. They have a streaky red blush over a pale spring green. ¶ 

In addition to stripes, there are some irregular spots of saturated red in the lightly blushed regions.

Against this variegated background the tiny light lenticel dots, quite numerous, can be difficult to spot, as are the very small regions of entirely harmless flyspeck.

Deeming Deane

This apple's medium-grained off-white flesh is tender and melting but reasonably crisp.

The flavors, well-balanced tilting tart, are a not typical: spicy and a little floral with something, I think, nutty, though I am not sure I am doing it justice. Perhaps a touch of caramel, though not as sweet as that might suggest.

There is another fruit element, not prominent, partway between berries and grapes. All this makes a good music together, even if I don't quite follow the tune.

Deane's long and winding tale

Deane's history winds about so much that I will post it separately, for those who are interested. There is a plot twist at the end.

For now: Deane is a Maine apple (almost certainly) originating in the 1850s on the farm of Cyrus Deane in the town of Temple. Also known as "Nine Ounce."

Once popular, it dropped out of sight only to be rescued by John Bunker, the apple sleuth of the Pine Tree State.

And that may not be the last word. Receipts to follow.