If you haven't yet done the leaf-peeping, apple-picking thing in Mass. this year, you can still try both at the Arnold Arboretum Fall Foliage Festival. This Sunday, from 12-4pm, there will be live music, free tours, lectures on fall gardening and cooking, and most importantly, hot apple cider, cider donuts, and other apple-y goods on sale from Allandale Farm and Slow Food Boston. (Just remember: there's no picnicking in the Arboretum; you have to chow down in designated areas.) For all the info, click here. See Slow Food's notes on their heirloom apples for sale, after the jump.
According to Slow Food Boston, they'll be bringing these unique apples to the 'fest, for sale by the peck or half-peck at their outdoor tent. (All apple descriptions are courtesy Slow Food Boston.)
Ashmead's Kernel: England, 1700s. Tastes like a crunchy lemon when it's first picked and then the flavor mellows as the sugars develop. Appearance belies its distinctive, aromatic flavor. Excellent storage.
Black Oxford: Oxford County, Maine, early 1800s. A favorite for eating and cooking, it has a near perfect blend of sweet and tart flavor. Keeps extremely well and reaches the best flavor as the winter progresses.
Golden Russet: New York, 1845. Firm, rich, spicy, and mild -- never judge an apple by its cover! Perhaps the most flavorful variety on offer, it sweetens on storage. Excellent storage. Great for applesauce.
Hudson's Golden Gem: American, early 1900s. This golden russeted apple is crisp, sweet and juicy with a ripe pear flavor. A wonderful dessert apple.
Reine des Reinette: French, 1700s. Has a high sugar content that's balanced with acidity. It's a juicy apple, good for cooking or eating out of hand. One of the top favorites at at tastings at Scott Farm.
Stay tuned for Bostonist's pie recipes...
Photo of Boston's skyline as seen from the Arboretum tagged "Bostonist" by Flickr user Sand Castle Matt.
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