Thursday, September 12, 2019

An Assortment Of Apples (Redux)

So remember my post that got lost?

When I found out it was gone I sent a frantic request to help to the Blogger Help Community. Over the last day I got several answers to my question, but two Platinum Product Experts (Adam and PeggyK)  were particularly helpful. Thanks to PeggyK, who sent me a link to the cached post, I have my words back!

I know most online community members are not paid for their work, and I really appreciate the time they took to help me. In case you missed the original post, it said:
According to the US Apple Association, there are more than 100 apple varieties that are grown commercially in the United States, but the 15 most popular varieties account for almost 90 percent of production. I don't see anywhere close to that many in the stores I go to.

When I was putting my produce run list together yesterday, I took a look at the store ads to see what was on sale and noticed that there were some new-to-me varieties of apples. Their price was right, so I decided to bring some home to try.

I was able to get two of the three types:
  • Paula Red is a type of McIntosh that is good for both eating and cooking. It's one of the earliest varieties to be harvested in the fall. The ones I bought had a dusty red skin with yellow spots. The flesh was a bright white color and tasty combination of sweet and tart, but it was a little mealy. It didn't surprise me to learn that the apple is good for both eating and cooking (particularly applesauce).
  • Ginger Gold is one of the earliest varieties to ripen. It looks just like a Golden Delicious. The crunchy flesh was a clear cream color and tasted like a Golden Delicious with a tart kick. When I finished the apple I threw the core in the container to take it down to the compost pile. Several hours later when I actually did the job the flesh was barely brown-that would be a real advantage in a salad or on a fruit tray.

The store's ad expires on Wednesday, and I'll probably go back and get more of these unique apples. They were a nice change from the usual Galas and Granny Smith's I usually eat.

Five years ago today: And What A Difference A Day Makes

11 comments:

  1. Ambrosias are my favorite. They're not in season right now. Pink Ladies are a close second, but they look so bruised and battered that I've given up on apples for the time being.

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    1. I agree with you about the Pink Ladies. In the stores I shop they NEVER look fresh.

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  2. This is very interesting and informative. I learned something new here. Thanks to you, I now know there are more apples than red ones and green ones, they actually have NAMES.

    Wishing you a wonderful week!

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  3. You are right we should try different kinds.

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  4. I have apple trees, but have no idea what kind, since they were already here when we moved in. I did plant one that was supposed to be crab apple, but produces huge red apples. They are not as tasty as the others and I will usually just make pies and such with them.

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    1. I had a fruit tree at a previous residence but it was more trouble than it was worth.

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  5. I need to buy apples for us. I just pass that section of the produce for some reason. I usually just get applesauce in a big jar. I think apple slices sound good on the side of a salad. or maybe make a pie for Jerry... he loves my apple pie. And apple crisp.... oh now look what you did to me – my mind is a mess of apple thoughts! LOL!

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    1. Well, Fall IS the best time of the year for apples!

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  6. I just tried my first Ginger Gold too. Got it at the produce auction. I was totally underwhelmed. To me, it was a slightly tarter Yellow Delicious...which I think are nasty.

    In Minneapolis there is a place where you can by apples being developed by the U of MN... most not even released to the public yet. That was fun!

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    1. I enjoy Yellow Delicious if they're crisp. The problem is that they are so often mealy.

      It WOULD be fun to taste the newest apples!

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