North American Fruit Explorers mailing list at ibiblio

["Mark Angermayer" <hangermayer@isp.com>]



Hi Alan,

 

Fortunately for me, Applesource is located in a climate very similar to my own.  Or at least I assume so.  They are at latitude 40 degrees in the Midwest and I'm at 39 degrees (a latitudinal difference of about 70 miles).  Obviously the soil could be different, but again since were both in the Midwest, it may not be that much different.

 

As far as judging an apple from one sample, I agree that's not best.  However, I've noticed peaches (my preferred fruit) coming from the same tree have little variance with one another, as long as they're picked at the same maturity.  The same seems to hold true with store bought apples that are at correct ripeness.  I crisp Fuji always seems to taste like a Fuji, a Gala tastes like a Gala, etc.  However, maybe tree ripened apples are different?

 

Again I concur judging a variety from one fruit isn't best, but I still say it beats planting trees based on other's tastes and waiting to see if I like it, which is what I've done so far. 

 

Alas, I think finding someone with similar tastes may be easier said than done.  There are so many factors and nuisances that make up preferential tastes, I'm not sure how one would find a taste twin. 

 

I don't want to completely discount others taste experience.  Many times a taste consensus seems to hold true.  If a lot of people are agreed a certain cultivar is of poor quality, it probably is.  And if a lot of folks praise a cultivar, it's definitely worth considering, but taste it first, if you can.

 

Mark

KS

 

 

----- Original Message -----

From: Alan Haigh

To: nafex@lists.ibiblio.org

Sent: Thursday, October 16, 2008 6:55 AM

Subject: [NAFEX] Applesource tastings

I think the Applesource concept is a great idea, but I've never been able to rate an apple from just one season, let alone one apple.  Also the majority of the apples I grow are not the same apple when grown in another climate.  For instance, Goldrush is a world class tart here in my Zone 6 until it sweetens in storage while it gets sweet on the tree a little further south.  Other varieties like Jonagold are great 3 out of 4 years but bland and close to worthless on a bad year.  Some varieties like Baldwin are perfect for the weather we have here most years but not so good either further north or south. 

 

So try your Applesource apples but don't assume that single apple accurately represents that cultivar, or even the bulk of apples on the tree it came from.  Also consider the recommendations of growers that have years of experience with a particular variety, especially if they grow in a similar climate.  Be aware of your own taste preferences and seek the opinions of growers that seem to have similar tastes.

---

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