 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. |
