There are a few things I have wanted to do for a long time (other than update this blog). One is to read up on investment strategies and one is to have an apple tasting party. So I’m reading up on the black swan theory and the “non-computability of the probability of the consequential rare events using scientific methods” to explain the disproportionate role of said events in finance, technology….hahahaha. KIDDING.

So I threw an apple tasting party!

I included mostly new apples I had never tried, including six russet varieties from this online source and a few unusual varieties from Specialty Produce. I also threw in the Honey Crisp – the mass market apple queen du jour, the Green Dragon Apple – my personal favorite so far, and the Hidden Rose – because I’m a party pleaser and really…how could I not include a pink fleshed apple in the mix.

I am starting my tour of apples with the Belle de Boskoop – mainly because the name is fabulous. The Fruit Maven always gives generous points for snazzy names and cool colors. Also any Belle worthy of the name demands to be presented first. I’m in no position to question these things. (picture courtesy of Specialty Produce – my camera wasn’t working properly this weekend)

APPEARANCE 3.5 out of 5 stars

Pale yellow skin with a nice peach blush and a bit of russeting. Medium sized apple with an uneven shape and pale yellow flesh.

AROMA 5 out of 5 stars

Extremely sweet and fragrant. Intoxicating apple scent with a sharp and curious note

TEXTURE 3 out of 5 stars

Seems crispy at first but then is quite coarse and a bit mushy on bite. Seems like it may be better right off the tree.

TASTE 5 out of 5 stars

There are just layer after layer of flavors in this little apple. It starts out pretty normal and then the apple delight just builds to a crescendo of acidic, tangy juice.

OVERALL 4.13 out of 5 stars

While the texture left a lot to be desired, the flavor of this apple was one of the most unique I have ever tasted. It had the complexity of red wine with very grown up flavors. I’m not saying a child couldn’t eat it, but it would be the rare child that would appreciate it. What a surprise. I will be looking to try this one again from a source that can get it to me in top shape.

As I mentioned when I talked about the ever-so-lovely Shasta Tangerine, March fruit just isn’t inspiring me. So please don’t dismay, I haven’t abandoned the blog, but it is going to be tough going for a while until I come across something interesting. I know what you are thinking. A navel orange? THAT is what inspired you enough to come out of the March doldrums and post? Yes indeed.

I’ve recently gotten a juicer — the Breville 800jexl – if you are interested in reading my review of it, and I can’t stop juicing so I’m regularly on the hunt for oranges. But I digress.  On with the story…

 I was wandering through Trader Joe’s and a bag of these were prominently displayed near the front. I tend to look right past endcap displays as I assume it is an overstocked item they are trying to pawn off on innocent marketing victims. But this time it was an orange! And it claimed to be “heirloom”!  But, and this is a big BUT, it was pre-bagged. I generally avoid this on principle — I don’t want someone telling me how many of something I have to buy. I am in charge here!  But it was “heirloom” (often secret code for absolutely nothing but an extra high price) and I’m bored so I tossed it in my bag and hoped for the best. Grocery store oranges tend to be so dull and lifeless that I can’t even remember the last time I bought one. These are a definite standout and if you see them, you should snatch up two bags. Something has to carry us through to April and it looks like it isn’t going to be my witty prose. Sorry.

APPEARANCE 4 out of 5 stars

Medium orange color and size, slightly bumpy skin. Bright orange flesh.

AROMA 4.5 out of 5 stars

Bright, fresh orange scent – not overly strong but not subtle either.

TEXTURE 4.5 out of 5 stars

Thick skin and pith. Perfectly tender and juicy flesh. No seeds!

TASTE 5 out of 5 stars

Ideal acidity with a deep sweet orange flavor.

OVERALL 4.5 out of 5 stars

The pith on this is pretty thick but it isn’t particularly distracting if you don’t get it all removed. That being said, this is the perfect orange to cut in to quarters and just dive right into. Make yourself an orange peel smile because this orange is delightful.  The company website claims these are old line Washington navel oranges, which uses a sour orange rootstock that is barely used anymore. Whatever all that means, it equals “delicious” in this case.

RECIPES

Civil War Green Olive and Orange Salad with Cumin
Spiced Oranges in Red Wine