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What We Grow
There are approximately 15 different types of apples that are grown here at Biscay Orchards. Our main crop consists of McIntosh, Cortland and Macouns. The others become available as they ripen. They are listed roughly in the order that they ripen.
Zestar!
A new cultivar to us, our Zestars! have just started to produce, ripening in late August. The fruit is flavorful, good sized, with red stripes over a cream background. Said to store up to 7 weeks in regular storage.
McIntosh
McIntosh are medium to large in size, with fine, crisp white flesh. The tartness and spiciness of the apple has become what is known as the 'classic McIntosh flavor'. They are a great eating apple and are popular for apple sauce, apple crisp and pies. Still the most popular variety in the Northeast, these are among the first apples we harvest!
Cortland
The flesh of Cortlands can be described as fine-grained, very juicy, tender and white. It is slow to oxidize on exposure to air, which makes Cortlands a nice addition to salads. These apples ripen mid to late September and are especially good for baking because they soften up while maintaining their shape. In other words, they don't become mush. A perfect choice for baked apples or adding texture to your apple sauce!
Gala
Galas are crisp and juicy with a pear-like flavor. They ripen in late September.
Macoun
Macouns are a cross between a Jersey Black and a McIntosh, which explains why they so closely resemble the latter. Ripening in Late September to early October, they are crisp, juicy and highly aromatic, making them a fantastic eating apple useful in all types of cooking.
Honeycrisp
We have been growing Honeycrisp at Biscay Orchards for over 15 years. They are our premier crop, ripening in late September. Honeycrisp are a cross between a Macoun and a Honeygold. An exceptionally good eating apple, they are also known to store very well. Like the Cortland, they do not brown upon exposure to air and are a welcome addition to a plate of sharp cheddar. They have been known to approach 1 1/2 pounds in weight.
Empire
A firm and juicy apple with a sweet-tart flavor. Great for fresh eating, sauce and pie. Parentage: McIntosh x Red Delicious.
Jonagold
An all-purpose apple that is crisp and juicy, with a sweet-tart, honey-like flavor and yellow flesh. A cross between a Jonathan and Golden Delicious. Developed in 1943; released in 1968. Makes a fair sauce and good pie.
Autumn Crisp
This apple is a cross between a Golden Delicious and Monroe. The flesh seems to be non-browning.
Spencer
The Spencer is a cross between a McIntosh and Delicious. It is a great eating apple and can be used for cooking.
Red Delicious and Golden Delicious
These famous American apples ripen at the end of September.
Granny Smith
Ripens in early October. Tart and hard...excellent for caramel apples!
Northern Spy
'Spies are for Pies' and are also great keepers. Because they bear biennially, they are available in limited supply. They are large and crisp with a strong, spicy sweet-tart flavor.
Mystery
Mike really doesn't remember what he planted! We have tried to have this apple identified, but to no avail. It has become a sought after local favorite!
Baldwin
Crisp and juicy, with a spicy, sweet-tart flavor. Available in limited quantities, excellent storage life.
Coming soon...
Pixie Crunch and Pink Lady
As apples are harvested they
are added to our "tasting
board". The flavor of apples
changes as the season
progresses, which makes this
attraction helpful in deciding when
to buy different types of apples.