So, I heard on NPR the other day that scientists at Cornell University have developed a brand new variety of apple. It’s apparently a delicious cross between tart and sweet. I want to write a blog post about it, but I can’t remember the name (or anything else about it). Good thing for Google. I type “new apple” into the search field, and get this:
I guess I probably should have guessed where that search string might lead me. Straight to the iPhones.
But, I still don’t know anything about the new apple variety. What shall I search next?
“New apple variety” gets me where I want to go. The new apple is called SweeTango, and it’s a cross between the Honeycrisp and the Zestar (Zestar?). It was also developed by the University of Minnesota, not Cornell (I must not have been listening very attentively to the story – sorry NPR).
According to developers and growers, it’s got tons of flavor – all of the Honeycrisp’s crispness and juiciness, but enhanced flavor, with a hint of fall spice. Sounds positively spectacular. And, it will be available in early September, whereas most premium apples don’t hit the markets til much later in the season. The Sweetango just got a limited public release this past weekend, in a few select cities (closest to here is Rochester, NY). If it’s as successful as they hope, it should be widely available in 2010 or 2011. We can expect to pay about $1 more per pound for Sweetangos than we pay for “regular” varieties.
Sounds to me like the Sweetango would make an incredible apple pie – but I gotta wait until next year. Unless I can get to a Rochester farmers market this month…
Life at Goal 
We are growing SweeTango just outside of Rochester. Please let us know if you would like to sample it!
Mark
Whittier Fruit Farm
I’d love to sample the Sweetango! Do I have to drive to Rochester? 🙂
W, Where are you from that driving to Rochester is such a chore? If you are not local let me know and I’ll make sure you get some. Frankly, you could get some fresh off the tree from me today. They are quite spectacular. Go to my website whittierfruitfarm.com and you can get directions to my farm and market.
Mark
I live just north of Albany, so Rochester’s a good three hour drive for me. I know, it’s not that far, but I really hate driving!
I love honey crisps (just got my first batch this weekend)! But WowoW, if they can improve on that luscious ruby red globe I might just pee my pants.
I did learn that they are not great for baking today. Still some satisfying apple cheddar croissants…
Anyway, I digress. I would like to suggest and apple tasting post. With many of the local varieties coming out as we speak, a taste test comparison is in order. Don’t you think? Followed by a few recipes. I would be happy to contribute my own.
What a great idea! I will see what they’ve got at the farmers markets this weekend, and get going on tasting! I’ve got a few recipes to share, too. Send yours along!
I luuuuurve me some Honey Crisp and would love to try an improved hybrid.
Road trip? My aunt and uncle live in Rochester so we’d even have a place to crash. 😉
when i worked at the tu I had many images from area orchards on my computer. the error of my filekeeping ways was shown to me whenever I typed APPLE in my search window looking for a tasty photo. I was working on a mac.
Do they have these sweetangos here in NYC? If so I’ll pick you up some.
I don’t think so…I think only in Rochester. But, if I hear differently, I’ll let you know!