Russet apples are a subset of apples, rather than one particular variety - Wikipedia lists 14 different varieties, and there are surely many more. However, I have never seen them sold as anything other than generic russets. The Canadian Apple site lists only Golden Russets for Ontario, so that may very well be what I have been getting. Golden Russets are a variety dating from the mid 1800's in New York State. The tree is hardy and disease-resistant.They are a medium to small apple, with the typical rough brown patches on the skins which give them their name. Individual apples vary from having little russeting to being completely covered in it. The apples have a fine sweet-sour tangyness, and are good for eating, cooking, cider and drying. In particular, the (presumably hard) cider made from this apple is frequently compared to champagne, which I am inclined to take as hyperbole. We particularly like this apple for munching.
In spite of the rough look of the skin, it is not particularly thick or tough. They can be stored for a little while, but are not one of the better apples for storing, and can be expected to disappear from the markets after Christmas.
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11 comments:
I love these, but always have trouble finding them. Yay for fall!
Ya, I like them too and must admit that they are not only rare in stores, but also a bit on expensive side.
Between September and December, sometimes later, they can be found in Highlang Farm (and Coppa's), or in ethnic Ukrainian and Russian stores.
I've been to a few orchards in Southwestern Ontario where they have a handful (6-12) of russet apple trees. It's almost a novelty item that they keep it for display. I have loved then since childhood having grown up in Kitchener Waterloo area. Just took my 3 girls apple picking firt week of October, they love the russet apples too.
Simply the best apple - they were always my Dad's favourite as they had a couple of trees on the farm near Hamilton. They are getting harder and harder to find. For those people east of Toronto, MacMillan orchards usually have them, though not last year for some reason and Stroud's market up on Lakeridge & Taunton have them. Of course in the west, there is always Chudleigh's apple farm
Russet is simply the best apple, with its nutty flavor it is my favorite. However I can't grow it in Alberta, winter kills them. I can't find them to buy here either. Anyone know where I can get them? George
We have 25 russet alple trees in Ottawa region. It is naturally growing orchard and some damage on fruits. Anyone can come and pick your apples as it is end of the season for us and it may go as a deer apples soon.
I live in Thunder Bay Ontario and just bought some at Safeway
I bought them at a farmers market in downtown Chicago
We have a good supply this year.
MacMillan Orchards
733 Kingston Road East
Ajax, Ontario
I have a russet tree in the Okanagan and will have to sell several boxes that just came off the tree yesterday. Does anyone know what the price is and how to advertise them?
Hello, I've been looking to purchase some russet apples and I can't find then in any retail stores in Manitoba. Would you be able to ship them and if so how large are your boxes?
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