Heirloom Apple Celebration
Hood River Fruit Loop
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Have you heard the stories of older relatives—or do you remember yourself—when apple pies and applesauce were made from varieties such as Spitzenburg, Rome Beauty, Newtown Pippin, Winter Banana, and Ortley? They were delicious eaten right off the tree, too.
Those are all apples now known as “heirloom” or “Classic” varieties. They can trace their heritage back 100 years or more, may not store as well as some of the commercial varieties, may be more susceptible to disease or pests, or may bruise more easily. But they taste so good! Their individual flavors and aromas have been compared to those of different vintages of wine.
Limited supplies of heirloom apples are available, and while truck and rail car-loads of these apples may not be shipped out of the valley, they are being celebrated—and are available—at locations all along the Hood River County Fruit Loop during Heirloom Apple Days.
