If you like to chew your wine as you enjoy it, then this Belle de Boskoop Apple is the fruit for you!

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 Rating:

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 Rating:

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

TEXTURE Rating:

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 Rating:

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 Overall Rating:

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.