New apple variety discovered in Australia

An apple grower in Australia has been able to license a new variety known as "Crimson Snow" which is also being test grown in orchards in the United States, Italy and France, and may soon be available throughout Europe and Turkey. Grower Allan McLean says he did not "create" the apple, merely discovered it about ten years ago. It has bright coloring, with vibrant red skin and white flesh reminiscent of the Fameuse or Snow apple first discovered in France. Crimson Snow also has a unique taste and fragrance, and low acid which is increasingly popular among consumers.

How exciting! Consumers do seem to be attracted to these bright red, white-fleshed fairy tale apples, so here's hoping Crimson Snow catches on!

The Cidery in upstate NY

Though they only became an official winery a short time ago, the Cidery in Wurtsboro, New York is quickly becoming one of the up and coming places for the hard cider renaissance of the Northeast.

They are also one of a growing number of upstate New York wineries making apple and other fruit wines and hard cider, and thereby celebrating and encouraging orchard preservation and the cultivation of heirloom apples!