LAist: Apple Season: All Kinds of Apples

Rachel

Mon, 26 Sep 2005 16:26:45 -0800

There aren't locally grown Winesaps here--they're from places with colder climates--that's why I included them in the "more commerically available" list. (although to be honest, you almost never see them, even at Bristol Farms. There are a large number of apples grown in SoCal and even the areas around San Diego. But here's the deal--this is a local LA-centric blog. Why not do a little research and find out information that actually pertains to LA? To admit that you didn't know about orchards here seems rather unfortunate.

Lindsay William-Ross

Mon, 26 Sep 2005 05:39:30 -0800

Thank you for adding all that info, Rachel. I didn't mention the commercial varieties deliberately because they tend to be well-known and sold year-round. I wasn't aware of all the apple-activity in SoCal; I'll definitely look into those nearby orchards and their local varieties. I am a little confused though--you said "Neither Winesaps or Northern Spies are grown for the SoCal market" but then included Winesap when you said "look for more commercial varieties." And I certainly wouldn't say "Most of the information written above is not correct" but perhaps that I missed including all the local varieties you mentioned--nothing incorrect there, a McIntosh still louses up a pie.

RAchel

Sun, 25 Sep 2005 21:04:27 -0800

Neither Winesaps or Northern Spies are grown for the SoCal market. Most of the information written above is not correct. There are a number of pick your own places within easy driving distance. Here's some from the always reliable Garden Compass http://www.davewilson.com/homegrown/gardencompass/gc07_mar_apr_02.html "Southern California favorites Anna, Dorsett Golden and Ein Shemer have performed well in areas that receive little or no winter chill, including the low desert. Knowledgeable apple growers are incredulous when they see thriving Anna apple trees with firm, pretty, delicious fruit in places like Thermal, CA. Anna has a sweet flavor similar to Red Delicious; Dorsett Golden has a flavor similar to Golden Delicious. Ein Shemer needs no chill at all and sets heavy crops of small, mildly sweet, flavorful apples. Gordon, discovered in Whittier, CA, is a proven variety for Southern California, having chill needs similar to Fuji and Gala. There are also antique varieties adapted to warm winter climates. Pettingill, Yellow Bellflower and Winter Banana along with the hardy White Winter Pearmain are all long-time favorites of Southern California apple hobbyists. Each of these antique apples has a unique, indescribable flavor that has made it a perpetual favorite. Pettingill, discovered in Long Beach, CA in 1949, at one time was the #1 apple planted in Southern California." ALsp look for more commerical varities: Early Gold, Jonagold, Red Delicious, Winesap, Macintosh,Granny Smith

Bri

Sun, 25 Sep 2005 13:32:08 -0800

I love winesaps and northern spys, but haven't seen them at the farmers markets in LA. Is there a particular one where you've found them?