HEIRLOOM APPLES

Both Elderberry Pond and One of a Kind specialize in gift sampler boxes containing different heirloom apple varieties.

Reynolds packs each apple in an individual compartment, and includes a card describing the variety and its unique history. He indicated the samplers are often given as gifts. He said, "This might seem expensive. But the person receiving it is probably a shut-in, and enjoys trying a different apple every day and reading about it."

One of the reasons Louis Lego likes the antiques is that they usually store better than most contemporary varieties.

Reynolds explained that 'Arkansas Black' apples can be stored for a year or more. On the other hand, the soft ones don't last very well. Reynolds indicated that the strawberry apple varieties, such as the 'Chenango Strawberry,' don't keep. He said, "They're ripe one day, and gone the next."

Certain varieties are noted for their peculiarities. Take the 'Tompkins King,' for example. This variety originated in Tompkins County, NY. Reynolds finds that the skin develops a greasy feeling when it is stored for awhile. He said, "This isn't harmful, and wipes right off. But some people don't like it because of that."

Heirloom apple trees are available from many sources. Old Sturbridge Village offers semi-dwarf trees of different varieties suitable for New England and the Northeast.

When Reynolds can't find them on the kind of rootstock he needs, he grafts his own. During the winter months when he can't work in the orchard, chances are he's visiting other antique apple growers to share their experiences and swap scionwood.

Many are concerned that the old varieties of disappearing. Now, there are attempts to preserve this germplasm for future generations. This is done by government agencies, private individuals, and organizations, such as the Arbor Day Farm Preservation Orchard.

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