Heirloom Apple Varieties
Duchess of Oldenburg
One of the finest cooking apples available, good for pies and sauces or crisps. Yellow-skinned with streaks of red, aromatic. Originally from Russia, it was introduced to the US around 1835 and thereafter lauded for its hardiness in harsh northern and prairie climates. In fact, one source claims Maine never had apples until the introduction of the Duchess. It was one of the main varieties first planted in the Scott Farm orchards in 1912. This apple stores well – we keep them in our cooler through September. If you have interest or curiosity in hybridizing, this variety reportedly reliably retains its superior qualities in its seedlings and is thought to be a parent to the Northern Spy. We harvest early-mid August.
