Arkansas Black Apple

Here is a story for the Fall Harvest. We are just arriving at apple picking season and I would guess almost each of us will plan an outing somewhere in the area to grab a last gasp at warmth; with a hot cider, some music and maybe even a pumpkin patch.

In Minnesota we are famous for our Honeycrisp variety out of the U of MN. But I wasn't aware that we are truly a pioneer in terms of cross breeding to find something that is hardy to Northern climates as well as a crisp, sweet favorite. I cannot imagine the endless time and effort over the course of many years to yield results. This is not done in a laboratory but in row after row of orchards in both St Paul and the Arboretum. We are notable for the Sweet Tango, Honeygold, Zestar and Haralson among others. That is an impressive fruit basket!

But a variety out of Arkansas caught my eye earlier this year. It is an interesting breed both literally and figuratively. To grab them off the tree, they are a terrible tasting phenomenon. Apparently, the true payoff comes after months of cold storage to let them continue ripening over an extended period. The result supposedly has hints of cherry, cinnamon, vanilla and coriander. Interesting!

This particular crop traces its roots to Bentonville AR going back to 1870. With no horticulture data, it is merely assumed that it was a pollinating accident of a similar colonial Winesap variety. This dates back to the Johnny Appleseed tales of early Americana. The Arkansas Black reached a heyday in the 1920's until a moth infestation and the Great Depression relegated it to a back burner.

Currently, it is still not a hot market item. But with heirloom interest and risk taking in the food industry, it is at least popping up as a curiosity item. I am wondering where the closest vendor would be in MN to give them a taste?