Another apple review: Spartan

[redbird]

The sign at the farmer's market described this as being like Mcintosh, but "sweeter and crisper." It seemed worth a try.

I am reminded that Sparta was never known for its food.

Crisper, maybe. Sweeter, possibly. But also blander.

To be fair, this has been sitting out on a counter for a few hours, drying off (it was raining this morning). I just wiped the other three with a towel, just in case, and put them in the refrigerator. I like my apples chilled, but do not have high hopes for this variety. I think next week it'll be gala, mcintosh, or macoun: apples I know I like.

(Unfortunately, both Esopus Spitzenburg and NY 652 are early-season apples that don't store well, so those are gone until next September.)

Comments

[jesse_the_k]

I just met a new apple last year: Haralson. It's as tasty as a Cortland with a remarkable crispy texture and a citric spunk.

[don-fitch.livejournal.com]

Yup, apples that taste (to me) like Apples are really difficult to find. Most commercial varieties don't make the grade. And in any case, it seems that the weather/season has a significant effect on the taste.

Mind you, I may be overly-influenced by childhood memories of the 'Rambo' apples stolen from an abandoned orchard in Trilby, Ohio -- one that was planted with trees obtained from John Chapman.

[redbird]

Weather and season definitely matter. Last year's Macouns were really good; this year's (from the same orchards) are good, but not so good that we aren't wandering to other varieties. But I do like a good Mcintosh, and Galas. Rome and Granny Smith are fine for cooking.