Heirloom Apple Varieties
Orcas Island Gravenstein
Perhaps better known as the Red Gravenstein, this apple originated as a “sport” (a particular limb of a tree that began to bear a genetic deformity) in the 10 acre Orcas Island orchard in San Juan County, Washington. The variety was originally advertised as superior to the ordinary Gravenstein as the skin was a fine red while still sharing the favorable characteristics of the original variety: tart flavor good for cooking, larger size and same ripening period. The tree was found to be a bit more hardy. Look for this anomaly, lovingly preserved, in mid August.
