Seasonal Information

 A walk through the orchard this time of year evokes ambivalent feelings. The surge of urgency surrounding the relentless to-do list is pronounced by thriving weeds and the abundant scurrying ground squirrels carrying nesting material in their mouths. But, the fragrant symphony of buzzing new blossoms also brings hopeful promise of gifts to come. I realize it's too early to count chickens before they hatch and that there is a multitude of hurdles these young fruits will encounter before their final destiny in my mouth, but I do love the anticipation. One of the types of fruits stoking our excitement this year is the red-fleshed apples. They are a rare and striking group of apple varieties that offer far more than just their vivid color. Unlike typical apples, their interiors range from pale pink to deep crimson, with complex flavors that include berry, citrus, and even tropical notes.

Some, like Winekist and Grenadine, have intensely pigmented flesh with a rich, aromatic taste, perfect for fresh eating or creating brilliantly colored preserves. Others, such as Burford Red Flesh and Red Vein Crabapple, are highly tannic and acidic, making them prized additions to traditional cider blends, adding a natural blush or deep red hue to the beverage. Their unique flesh color not only enhances fresh fruit platters but also creates stunning pink applesauce, pies, and dried apple rings. Historical varieties like Surprise, one of the oldest known red-fleshed apples, and the legendary Niedzwetzkyana, a genetic ancestor to many modern red-fleshed apples, add a sense of heritage to an orchard. Many red-fleshed apples are also generally disease-resistant and cold-hardy, which makes them good choices for diverse growing conditions.  

A few years ago, Marissa Fishman bestowed upon us the honor of propagating a handful of the late Ram Fishman's (of Greenmantle Nursery) coveted apple varieties including a few selections from their pink/red-fleshed collection, the Rosetta apples. These exclusive varieties include the Christmas Pink, Grenadine, Pink Parfait and Rubaiyat. The foundation of Ram's fruit collection rests on the old homestead varieties of the bio-region of Ettersburg, California, and features the legacy of Albert Etter (1872-1950) the renowned plant breeder whose private experiment station was located a few miles from his nursery.  It is a privilege to help Marissa keep Ram's passion alive.