Adam's Apples

Left to right: Reine de Reinettes, Ashmead's Kernel, Macoun, Wickson, Cox's Orange Pippin The gang's all here. All 5 of the apples I've rated as "exceptional, worth a quest"—3 of 3 possible stars—together in one place.

Today two more apples get three stars, the highest rank in my qualitative rating system. One star is "very good, worth choosing," two are "excellent, worth seeking," and three are "extraordinary, worth a quest" to find. What sort of quest I leave to the judgment of the reader. The stars rate only the eating qualities of apples, which is unfair to some spectacular cider and cooking varieties that don't happen to shine when eaten out of hand. There is no accounting for tastes, so I trust you will treat these as advisory and keep your own list of favorites. Still, you may rely on these ratings and my reviews as a guide to something new, if you are in an adventurous frame of mind.

This apple's name mean—oh wait, no it doesn't. (And shouldn't that be des Reinettes?)  ¶  Etymological questions aside, I have two of these, both on the small side of large, round, slightly oblate, with the merest hint of ribbing.  ¶  Both have significant russeting on the unblushed peel, which is a muted green-yellow.