APPLE INDEX BELOW, APPLES THAT ARE IN SEASON HERE AT THE STORE & ONES THAT ARE COMING SOON FALL 2024
SWEET CRISP FUJI APPLES (IN STOCK)
Description/Taste: Fuji apples are medium to large. The thick skin of the Fuji apple is light red with a yellow blush, and is oftentimes lined with red vertical stripes. The Fuji’s interior creamy white flesh is dense, juicy, and crisp. Low in acid, the flavor is mild yet very sweet with hints of both honey and citrus.
Current Facts: Fuji apples (botanical name Malus domestica) are the successful cross of two American varieties, the Red Delicious and Virginia Ralls Janet. Fujis were first developed in Japan. Some say their name was given to them as homage to Japan’s most sacred mountain, Mount Fuji, but it is more likely they were named after Fujisaki, the location of the research center where they were developed.
Nutritional Value: Fuji apples contain Vitamins A and C, as well trace amounts of folate and potassium. They are a good source of both soluble and insoluble fiber, which has been shown to help prevent heart disease and promote healthy digestion. A medium-sized Fuji apple contains about 80 calories and is high in both water and sugar.
SEMI SWEET/TART EASTERN GRANNY SMITH APPLES (IN STOCK)
Description/Taste: Granny Smith apples have a bright green skin that is often speckled with faint white lenticels (spots). Medium to large in size and round in shape, they are a firm and juicy apple with thick skin. Their flesh is bright white and crisp in texture with a tart, acidic, yet subtly sweet flavor. Granny Smith apples grown in colder climates will often take on a yellow to pink blush.
Current Facts: A member of the rose family (Rosaceae), the exact parentage of Granny Smith apples is unknown, but they are believed to be a relative of the French crab apple. Most apples are green when immature and then when ripe take on shades of red, pink and yellow. Granny Smith apples, however maintain their green hue both when immature and ripe.
Nutritional Value: Granny Smith apples are high in cell repairing antioxidants. They are also a good source of soluble fiber, which has been proven to help lower cholesterol, control weight, and regulate blood sugar. Granny Smith apples contain vitamins A and C, as well as a trace amount of iron, most of which is located in their skin.
CAMEO APPLES (Coming soon)
Description/Taste: Cameo apples are covered in red stripes that develop just prior to the apple being ready for harvest. By picking the apples as soon as they develop this signature striping ensures their skin maintains the thin and delicate texture Cameo’s are known. Its flesh is dense and creamy white to yellow in color with a crisp and juicy texture. The Cameo’s flavor is the perfect balance of sweet and tart with nuances of both honey and citrus.
Current Facts: Believed to be a relative of the Red and Golden Delicious apple, Cameo apples that come out of Washington State are regulated by the CAMA, or Cameo Apple Marketing Association. In order to be considered a Cameo, these apples must meet a list of standards based upon taste, texture and color.
Nutritional Value: Cameo apples are sodium and cholesterol free and rich in soluble fiber, which has been shown to promote a healthy cardiovascular system. They also contain a fair amount of potassium and vitamin C as well as some iron, vitamin A and calcium. A recent study of the newest apple varieties conducted at the University of Bonn revealed that Cameo apples contained the highest amount of antioxidants of all thirty-one apples studied.
CORTLAND APPLES (Currently in stock 2024)
Description/Taste: Cortland apples are medium to large in size, and often rather flat in shape. They are bright red and covered with dark red streaks; often they are capped with a green blush. Their crisp, finely-grained white flesh is exceptionally juicy with a sharp, sweet-tart, vinous flavor.
Current Facts: The Cortland apple is an older American variety of Malus domestica, one of the many offspring of McIntosh apples. It combines the sweet flavor of the McIntosh with the cold hardiness of its other parent, Ben Davis. Cortlands have long been one of the most commonly produced apples in New York, consistently ranking in the top ten in the state.
Nutritional Value: Cortland apples are low in calories, high in water content and offer a fair amount of vitamins A, C, and B. They also contain a dietary fiber known as pectin, which has been shown to lower cholesterol levels, and trace amounts of boron, which has been touted for its ability to help build strong bones.
Applications: Extremely slow to brown when cut, the Cortland apple is perfect for use in fresh apple preparations. Add cubed apple to green and fruit salads. Slice thin and add to sandwiches, burgers, and quesadillas. Use in lieu of crackers and pair with sweet and savory dips or flavorful cheeses. The sweet-tart flavor of the Cortland apple also shines in cooked preparations. Bake into cakes, tarts, cobbler, quiche and galettes, or slow cook to make soups, sauces, and preserves. Cortlands also make excellent cider and juice apples. They do not store exceptionally well, and should be eaten soon after harvest for best flavor and texture.
September Yummy Apples (IN STOCK 2024)
Description/Taste
Early Fuji apples are round and large. It has a mostly red colored skin with small patches of golden yellow blush and light vertical striations. The Early Fuji has a white to cream-colored, dense, yet crisp flesh. Complex in flavor, low in acidity and very sweet with notes of both honey and citrus.
Current Facts
The Early Fuji apple is a member of the Rosaceae family in the Malus domestica species. Early Fuji apples have all of the positive characteristics of the Fuji apple but it ripens five to six weeks earlier than the original variety. The Auvil Early Fuji ™ apple was discovered by the renown Washington State apple grower, Grady Auvil. This patented apple variety is also known as Fuji 216 cultivar and was introduced to the market in the late 1990s.
Nutritional Value
Fuji apples contain around 100 calories, along with many vitamins and minerals. They are a good source of Vitamin B, calcium, and potassium, among other things. In particular, the skin has insoluble fiber and the flesh contains soluble fiber, both of which are important for health. In total, a Fuji has about 12 percent of the daily recommended value of fiber.
Applications
Early Fujis start off the Fuji season for consumers who love this apple. They are great for eating fresh out of hand and can be used in any recipes that call for regular Fujis. Since they do not store well, they should be eaten soon after purchase, or stored in the refrigerator for a short amount of time.
New Apples are arriving daily from Orchards across America
Our Peak apple season starts in August lasting through December. We have apple orchards in Virginia, West Virginia, Extreme Western North Carolina, Pennsylvania, Washington State, New York State, Michigan, & Tennessee.
"We typically get a lot of Northerners moving to central North Carolina & almost always they inquire about apple picking and rightfully so from where they are coming from, However 9/10 they aren’t aware we are only 400-500 feet above sea level so the mass orchards to allow thousands of newcomers to the area to pick simply doesn’t exist in this part of NC or at least not to the extent it once used to. (We are still an orchard but stopped you pick back in the 90’s) This is the reason we have established over 16 apple orchards in the states listed above to give us a variety for the folks who don’t want to travel 5 hours west where the mass orchards essentially have always been at 2,000 feet above elevation.
- Donovan Alexander Watson (Owner & Former NC Commissioner of Agriculture Canidate)
Sweet EMPIRE APPLES (Coming sometime in October 2024)
Description/Taste: Empire apples are bright red with faint white striations; its top is capped with a light green blush. It is a medium sized apple and round with a creamy white interior. Its crisp and juicy flesh has a flavor that is sweet like a Red Delicious and tart like a McIntosh.
Current Facts: Empire apples are a member of the rose family (Rosaceae) along with pears and quince. A successful cross between Red Delicious and McIntosh, the Empire contains flavor characteristics of both its parent apples. Empire apples were bred to resist pre harvest fruit drop and have a low likelihood of developing fireblight, a disease common in the Rosaceae family.
Nutritional Value: Empire apples are a great source of both soluble and insoluble fiber, which has been proven to lower cholesterol and aid in digestion. They are low in calories with only 70-80 calories per apple depending on size. Empire apples also contain vitamins A and C, most of which is located in the skin.
SWEET CRISP ASIAN PEAR APPLES (Coming sometime this fall 2024)
Description/Taste: Hosui Asian pears are the most common variety of Asian pears. They are round in shape with brown skin that has tiny white speckles. The Hosui Asian pear is sweet and juicy with a brandy aroma. It's very versatile and easy to use.
Current Facts: There are thousands of different known varieties of Asian pears, each varying slightly in shape and color. All Asian pears today are relatives of Pyrus ussuriensis (Ussuri pear) and Pyrus serotina (Japanese sand pear). The Asian pear is known by many names including Nashi, Japanese pear, sand pear and Chinese pear. Though of no relation to apples Asian pears are often referred to as apple pears because of their crisp and juicy apple like consistency.
Nutritional Value: Asian pears are low in calories with about 50 calories per medium sized pear. They are a good source of vitamin C with each pear containing 8% of your daily requirement and provide a fair amount of fiber, most of which is found in the skin. Fiber rich foods such as Asian pears have been show to help lower cholesterol levels and prevent colon cancer. In Chinese medicine Asian pears are considered a cooling fruit and are used for detoxification purposes and to treat coughs, laryngitis, ulcers and constipation. They are also used in Chinese medicine to help promote a healthy complexion, eliminate under eye circles and relieve retina pain.
SWEET CRISP GALA APPLES (IN STOCK)
Description/Taste: Pinkish-red stripes accent the Gala apple's yellow-gold skin. Aromatic, this popular apple offers a juicy crunch and a sweet, tangy flavor. Some Gala strains may be nearly solid red. Gala apples are considered to be one of the very sweetest.
Nutritional Value: Gala apples are a great snacking fruit as they are low in calories, high in water content and offer a fair amount of vitamins A, C and B. They also contain a dietary fiber known as pectin, which has been shown to lower cholesterol levels and help prevent heart attacks. They also contain trace amounts of boron, which has been touted for its ability to help build strong bones.
Applications: The delicate flavor and texture of the Gala apple shines in fresh preparations. They are perfect for use in fruit, green and chopped salads. Add diced gala to fruit salsas and chutneys. Slice and add to burgers, paninis and crostinis. Their sweet flavor becomes milder when cooked making them perfect in baked preparations when paired with stronger flavored apples such a Granny Smith, Arkansas Black, Pippin and Mutsu. The flavor of pears, winter squash, onions, pecans, turkey, curry, brie, cheddar and Swiss cheese complement Gala apples.
ARKANSAS BLACK APPLE (Coming soon )
Description/Taste: Arkansas Black apples are vivid red to dark purple with a somewhat waxy skin. Its flesh is golden hued and juicy with a fine-grained and crisp texture. Its highly aromatic and sweet-tart flavor mellows and becomes more palatable with storage. The flesh as well will soften with storage, when first harvested the Arkansas Black apple is extremely hard, almost to the point that many would find it difficult to eat out of hand.
Current Facts: A member of the rose family (Rosaceae), the exact parentage of the Arkansas Black apple is unknown, but it is believed to be a relative of the Winesap apple. Known as one of the best storage apples the Arkansas Black will keep up to four months in cold storage during which time both the flavor and texture of the apple improves.
Nutritional Value: Arkansas Black apples are a great source of soluble fiber, which helps to reduce cholesterol and prevent cardiovascular diseases. In addition they contain insoluble fiber, which promotes healthy digestion. They are also a good source of vitamin C and A and contain some potassium and iron.
Applications: The firm texture of the Arkansas Black apple makes it an excellent cooker. It can be baked, sautéed and roasted. Try baked into a pie or bread pudding. They can also be slow cooked and pureed to make soups and sauces. Its aromatic juice lends itself to ciders and jams. The flavor of the Arkansas Black pairs well with by winter squash, pecans, cranberries, vanilla, thyme, sage, cinnamon and cardamom.
JonaGold Apples (IN STOCK 2024)
Description/Taste
Jonagold apples are a medium to large varietal with a round, oblate, to conical shape. The apple's skin is semi-thin, smooth, taut, and tough with a faint sheen. One of the distinct characteristics of the variety is its coloring. Depending on the climate, Jonagold apples can be yellow-green, yellow, or a blend of orange and red. The variety can also have a yellow-green base hue and showcase bright red-orange blush and striping, leading the apples to vary in appearance in commercial markets. Underneath the surface, the ivory-to-white flesh is crisp, aqueous, and dense with a crunchy, breaking quality. The flesh also encases a small central fibrous core filled with tiny black-brown seeds. Jonagold apples have a subtly sweet scent and a balanced blend of sugar and acidity, creating a mild, sweet, and tangy taste with floral, honeyed, and fruity nuances.
Current Facts
Jonagold apple trees, botanically classified as Malus domestica, are an American variety belonging to the Rosaceae family. The cultivar was developed in the mid-20th century and was selectively bred to create a commercial apple with improved size, flavor, and taste. Jonagold apples grow on semi-dwarf to dwarf trees, ranging from 3 to 5 meters in height, and are a triploid cultivar, meaning the variety has three sets of chromosomes instead of two. This genetic trait allows the trees to produce large fruits, depending on the growing environment. The name Jonagold is a blend of the variety's parent cultivars, Johnathan and Golden Delicious apples, and apple enthusiasts favor the cultivar for its fast-growing nature, cold tolerance, and large fruits with extended storage capabilities. Jonagold apples are widely cultivated across the United States, Europe, and New Zealand, and the trees are popularly planted in home gardens as an ornamental. In the modern day, Jonagold apples are a well-known commercial variety sold through fresh markets, grocers, and distributors as a multi-purpose, fresh eating, and cooking apple.
Nutritional Value
Jonagold apples are a source of fiber to regulate the digestive tract, potassium to balance fluid levels within the body, and vitamin C to strengthen the immune system while reducing inflammation. The apples also provide small amounts of copper to develop connective tissues, magnesium to control optimal nerve functioning, calcium to build strong bones and teeth, vitamin A to maintain healthy organ functioning, and other nutrients, including iron, vitamin K, vitamin E, manganese, and zinc. The vibrant red hues within the skin indicate the presence of anthocyanins, pigmented compounds with antioxidant-like properties to protect the cells against the damage and oxidative stress caused by free radicals.
Applications
Jonagold apples have a sweet-tart flavor suited for fresh and cooked preparations. The variety was bred to be eaten straight out of hand and is popularly consumed as a snack. Jonagold apples are also chopped into salads, mixed into fruit medleys, or layered as a crisp addition to sandwiches. Try slicing Jonagold apples and dipping them in nut butter, caramel, or chocolate, or the whole apple can be covered in caramel as a festive fall treat. In addition to fresh preparations, Jonagold apples can be simmered into soups, minced into sausages, or added to stuffings. Jonagold apples can also be made into apple butter, cooked into jams and other preserves, and simmered into sauces. Beyond savory cooked dishes, Jonagold apples are commonly baked into pies, cakes, muffins, crisps, cobblers, and streusels. The fruits can also be baked whole, wrapped in puff pastry, or sliced and sauteed in browned butter and cinnamon. Jonagold apples have a sweet and acidic juice, lending themselves well to cocktails, cider, juice blends, and smoothies. The apples can also be canned or dried for extended use. Jonagold apples pair well with nuts such as pecans, walnuts, and almonds, vanilla, maple syrup, honey, brown sugar, and spices such as cinnamon, cloves, and nutmeg. Whole, unwashed Jonagold apples will keep for several weeks when stored in a cool, dry, and dark place. The fruits can also be stored in the refrigerator.