Heirloom Apple Varieties
Hewes Virginia Crab
These little gems are so delightfully pretty. The pinkiest pink in the most darling package, but don't let their adorable features fool you. These sweeties are anything but; full bodied, tannic, and astringent, they will smack you with intensity and a bright butterscotch and banana flavor. First mentioned in 1750 and one of the earliest American cider apples, Hewes is highly prized for that - making an exceptional dry cider. Thomas Jefferson even dedicated a whole block of his Monticello orchard exclusively for them. Hewes is often thought to only excel in this cider making category, but we feel that Hewes sugary and pungently strong flavor is a wonderful pop-zingy treat and can easily fall into the snacky fresh eating class as well. Harvest September through October.
Speaking of cider, here is an interesting blog post asking compelling questions regarding management approaches (read: spraying needs) for cider versus dessert apples.
