Apples originally grew in the wild in the area near the Black and Caspian seas. Now more than a hundred varieties of apples are grown in Minnesota, each with its own special texture and sweetness or tartness. Many new apple varieties have been developed at the University of Minnesota Horticultural Research Center, including the popular Haralson apple in 1922. The Wealthy apple, Minnesota's oldest variety (introduced in 1873) was developed by Peter Gideon who lived near Lake Minnetonka in the Excelsior area. A few of the University's other apple varieties that are ripe in mid to late September include: Red Baron (introduced in 1969), Sweet Sixteen (1978), Honeycrisp (1991) and SnowSweet (2000).
The McIntosh apple was discovered in 1796 as a chance seedling of unknown parentage in Ontario, Canada. It's a midseason, crisp, juicy, red apple that keeps until after Christmas and is good for fresh eating, sauce, baking and freezing. After these apples are picked, they should be kept for two weeks before they are eaten to bring out their best flavor. Being very aromatic, McIntosh apples are hard to resist. The trees are vigorous and productive and suitable for growing in the southern two-thirds of Minnesota.
The apple season in Minnesota can run from late July into November. An apple contains about 85 percent water, vitamins A and C, plus minerals and fiber, which makes it a healthy snack or part of a meal.
Jim Gilbert's Nature Notes are heard on WCCO Radio at 7:15 a.m. Sundays. His observations have been part of the Minnesota Weatherguide Environment Calendars since 1977, and he is the author of five books on nature in Minnesota. He taught and worked as a naturalist for 50 years.
