Adam's Apples

Notwithstanding my cheerful posts about the many apples you can still buy in January : In any given year there will be some varieties that are not available. Alas. This year, for instance, Macoun is scarce and often disappointing if available. These grow in the Northeast, which had an uneven harvest this fall. Last year this great apple was good to eat (and available) through late March.

The story, from a reader in New Zealand, is too good not to repeat: Also, I'm sure [ Pacific] Rose was the one involved in the 'underpants' saga. A visiting Chinese delegation were stopped at by customs as the airport as they left NZ. The ones without diplomatic protection were searched and quite literally had their undergarments stuffed with Pacific Rose budwood. Unfortunately the ones with diplomatic protection had equally bulging pants. But is it true? You almost want to say, who cares? (and also, who could make that stuff up? )

Distinctive Piñata was first introduced into the Northeast last February. Its arrival a few weeks earlier this year permits a comparison with Pacific Rose, another newcomer. A face-off is hard to resist since they share some lush flavors. Consider this the hibernal battle of the tropical tastes.

The soft pink blush of this apple suggests that 1990s designer hue, "Dusty Rose." The apple itself is generally a large medium, with ribbing that gives many a blocky, rectangular aspect. That dusty-rose blush is variegated, and there are large tan lenticels and an open calyx under the base. The unbroken fruit has a firm feel and a sweet aroma.