Well-tended cultivars

The view from from Concord, Massachusetts, is more cheerful than that of my previous dispatch from Littleton. ¶ 

In Concord, the fruit is ripening nicely on Hutchins Farm's well-tended trees.

None of that fruit was at farmers market in Arlington earlier today, but the number of apple varieties for sale there, and the number of vendors selling them, doubled.

Early days: there were two of each this week.

Jersey Mac

Despite its name, Jersey Mac is not very Mac like, though there are echoes.

The card on the bin reads as follows: 

An early season favorite, these apples have a mild, juicy, slightly tart taste with a sweet strawberry like flavor. Excellent for eating, baking and sauce. Cross between New Jersey and July Red.

Paula Red

None of the "early mac" varieties really do justice to that great king of the fall harvest, but Paula Red is one of the best of those. 

It usually peaks a bit later than this, and is substantially the same as Dandee Red, a redder sport. The card reads as follows:

Sweet, but mildly tart / Good for fresh eating as well as cooking, especially good for applesauce

I'm sorry to see excellent Pristine leave us after just one week, but such is the way with the early apples.

Hutchins Farm, Concord, Massachusetts, August 4.