Summer Sweet

Summer. Originated on the farm of Ichabod Thomas, Sidney, ME(Kennebec County), about 1800. Originally known as King of Sweetings, and later as King Sweet. Also called Summer Sweeting and sometimes confused with Hightop Sweeting, which originated in Plymouth, Massachusetts. Still found in Sidney where it's known as Summer Sweet. Small-medium size 2" roundish-conic-truncate yellow-green fruit that has a beautiful golden apricot orange blush, with an occasional russet splash about the stem. Firm, somewhat juicy yellowish flesh with a distinctive, interesting and strange flavor, typical of the "sweet" apples of the past. These are not at all like the super sweet types you find in the super-markets today. Rather, they are mild yet distinctly flavorful. I find them delicious. It's the first apple of the season for best fresh eating. Like other summer apples, you have to catch it just as it's perfectly ripe. Healthy, vigorous, upright, compact, productive tree.