Winthrop Greening |
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 Late Summer-Fall.
Ichabod Howe Farm, Winthrop, ME, before 1800. Ichabod Howe (1731-1810) laid out many
of Winthrop's roads, organized construction of its first church, was an accomplished
trapper and hunter, served seven terms as selectman and was, appropriately enough,
Winthrop's first orchardist. Although I know of many beautiful apples, this one is my
favorite for beauty and up near the top for taste. One of the few Maine apples to
receive attention from outside the state over the years. Quite popular throughout
central Maine as late as 1920; now all but unknown. Large 31/4" flattish-oblate
beautiful fruit, light green with a red-orange wash, small greenish dots and splashes
and ribs of russeting, usually with a patch of russet radiating from the stem. Very
sweet interesting flavor, medium-low acidity, with a crunch. Keeps until late fall.
In October of 2000, I was able to taste fruit grown at Tower Hill Botanic Gardens near Worcester, Massachusetts. The quality of the Winthrop Greenings there was quite good, suggesting that the variety would do well at least somewhat further south. |
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