I feel the same about apples! They are at the bottom of my fruit preference, I only eat them in the late fall and winter when there are no stone fruits, figs, pears etc. Tree ripened Red Delicious and Fuji are my favorites.
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How does the AB compare with a Black Oxford? I tried adding an AB this year, but saw conflicting reports on its winter hardiness (some said z4 others said z5) so I settled on getting a Black Oxford (rated to z3). But if the AB is truly as good as everyone says, and it’s better than the Black Oxford, I may take a chance and try it in z4.
Had an Arkansas Black today that has been in storage about two months. Really dark color. Apple still somewhat crisp, sweet with some complex flavor. A good late apple.
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I managed to wrestle only one of a handful or Arkansas black apples from the wasps and hornets. This was with first and so fa only one I have ever had. I let it sit in the fridge for 6 weeks after picking. To me it was like a winesap on steroids, which for me is a good thing.
Trying to figure out when to pick this apple in south central Kansas. Waited until end of October last year and flavor was pretty bland and didn’t improve much in storage. It was the first year they produced. This year they are already dark in color, seeds are brown and they come off pretty easy with a lift. Taste is sour not much sugar. I know they are supposed to improve in storage. Is it too early to pick? What signs of ripeness do you look for in this apple? @39thparallel @clarkinks I’m south of you but have you ever picked them this early? (I just picked Enterprise and Red Cinnamon today)
I’m going to say mid Oct. That being said, trees shed fruit 2-3 weeks early when under stress. Keep an eye out for leaf mites diminishing the leaves. Apples that are shed due to stress generally do not taste great fresh but can be salvaged for processing.
7B NC, they now ripen early Oct. Some say to chill for 3 months, that is not what works for me. By Thanksgiving, they are waxy. That is the best time to eat them fresh. I only use them for pies, fried apples, or cooked apples.
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