There’s certainly no lack of apple imagery in the English language. We’ve all heard “You’re the apple of my eye,” and “as American as apple pie.” Fortunately, local farmers’ markets have no lack of apples varieties this season either.
Sure, you could stick with timeworn varieties such as Red Delicious or Fuji, but why not try some of the more obscure types available only from the small-scale producers at the market?
Centennial Farms, a vendor at the Maplewood and Tower Grove farmers’ markets, offered Arkansas Black, a smooth-skinned apple with mottled patches of green and red. You may also find some with skin that is closer to dark red or black, hence the name. If you like your apples on the tart side, this one is perfect for eating out of hand. Otherwise, bake them up into all kinds of tasty desserts. They’re great keepers too, so be sure to stock up.
Centennial also sells the Goldrush variety, an apple recently designated the state fruit of Illinois. So named for its golden skin and the rush of spicy flavor, it’s also an excellent keeper. In fact, some people believe its flavor actually improves over time. It’s great cooked down into a spicy, not-too-sweet, chunky applesauce that’s good on grilled pork or other hearty meats.
Word on the street is that the Tower Grover market has added two extra dates to its calendar and will now run through Nov. 6. But don’t wait that long to get yourself some of these delicious apples. After all, an apple a day keeps the doctor away – ah, gotcha!
– Shannon Parker
This article appears in Oct 1-31, 2010.