Adam's Apples

Centuries later, the name of Loammi Baldwin still echoes in pomological circles.  ¶  He did not discover the apple that bears his name, but cultivated and popularized it. The Baldwin apple is a treat, crisp and rich, once the most popular variety in New England.  ¶  Baldwin's great grandfather on his mother's side was Joseph Richardson, a second-generation immigrant who lived in Woburn, Massachusetts, 1643–1718. But Richardson had another descendant of even greater renown in the history and mythology of apples.

Rambo (L) and Johnny Appleseed.  ¶  On the left, the apple that inspired the name of a movie character (Rambo; true story).  ¶  On the right, the apple named for Johnny Appleseed (a real person despite his larger-than-life folkloric aura).  ¶  Today's comparison responds to the notion that these are in fact the same apple. It is an inquiry . Wikipedia says , of the Johnny Appleseed apple, Some marketers claim that it is a Rambo; some even make the claim that the Rambo was "Johnny Appleseed's favorite variety." The latter claim is unlikely, but let's taste test the former.

John Chapman, popularly called Johnny Appleseed, is responsible in large part for the genetic diversity of American apples.  ¶  He was also born not far from where I live, and his birthday was last month (which is when I tasted this apple).  ¶  So it seems entirely appropriate that someone should name an apple for him. Similarly, that they should be ripe on his birthday, ready for me to taste and tell you about.