OK. You are holding what is quite possibly the last zucchini of the season. You have served them grilled, sautéed, stuffed and baked, and finally shredded into breads and cakes. And, honestly, they were delicious. You loved your zucchini. But it’s over.
There’s a new kid in town. I know, we’ve managed to avoid this ’til now…but it’s time to acknowledge the inevitable: APPLES!
NOooo! Hold up! I’m still workin’ on my tan and a few beach-reads away from fall.
For three months we’ve been sticky-chinned with glorious peaches, nectarines and melons. And if we complained (and we did) about the heat that made them so darn sweet, at least it wasn’t winter, right? It won’t even officially be Fall for another two weeks! So what’s the rush?
Yet, here we are. Sure there’s still time for some grapes and a few last ears of corn; and flip-flops and tank tops are still fashion statements. But the calendar doesn’t lie, and neither does Mother Nature. She’s ready to move on. Resistance is futile.
Fun fact, did you know that PA is one of the top 5 apple producers in the U.S.? But we’ll have to give Jersey some props here at the LFM, since the apples at Fruitwood Orchards come from over the Delaware. Close enough to be local.
Last week’s table already had five different varieties for sale, and we’re just getting started. But, note: the ruby red orb that knocked Snow White off her Jimmy Choo’s?… MIA. Turns out that the earliest varieties run more to bright yellows, bold greens and maybe a modest blush.
A new one, at least to me, was the bright yellow Blondee that, according to its resumé, showed up suddenly in OH in the grove of another varietal. We don’t know if she was on the lam from some other orchard or hiding from a wicked witch, (in which case the yellow skin subterfuge was brilliant!) but there she was and, following lots of rigorous testing and tasting, made her national debut in 2012.
Don’t worry, you Honey Crisps devotees…they’re on their way, along with the Galas and Fujis and Macintosh and Braeburns. They just need a little extra time to chill.
So, in for a penny, in for a pound, which, BTW, is enough to make a pie. So there’s that. And let’s face it: since, well, since that first Red Delicious fell off the tree, the apple has held pride of place in the American psyche. It keeps doctors away, gets us brownie points with the teacher, fills eyes with love and pride, and gave us an entire lexicon of endearments and snappy comebacks…Bet you already thought of three or four before even getting to this paragraph.
So now that I’ve surrendered to the inevitable, and with so much more to come, we’ll return to the ubiquitous apple in the coming weeks…with recipes and respect.
As usual, you can find updates on who and what is coming each week by going to our FaceBook page, and by reading ALL of this LEDC newsletter.
Around ‘downe town: There’s a lot coming up in the weeks and months ahead.
This week: (9/10 – 9/15) Lansdowne’s own Rick Prigg and his glorious glass creations solo exhibition at the Kiosk at Utility Works.
Arts on the Avenue Festival: Oct 3rd, and have you signed up to volunteer? If you have, THANK YOU…Everyone else? There are still lots of openings.
Stay tuned, and PLEASE follow safety protocols when out and about. We want all of you here next apple season.
So…how do ya like them apples?
Terry Baraldi