National Apple Month: Lesser-known apples that you didn't know existed
October is National Apple Month in the US and we can't think of a more sweet way to start a new month than this. Regarded for its superb taste and health benefits, this red goodness is available in a variety of flavors and textures, some of which we are sure you haven't even heard of. Let's seize the moment to know some of them.
Pink Pearl
This unique kind of apple was first spotted by an apple cultivator in California named Albert Etter in 1944. With a medium-sized body and conical shape, the flesh of this fruit is pink. Its flavor is a mix of sweet and sour, making it a great ingredient for sauces, sorbets, and preserves. You can also use it in tarts, pies, and scones.
Black Oxford
Who said apples are only red? Well, this special apple in the US features a dark-purplish crimson color and dates back to the 1790s! Called Black Oxford, this fruit is often used in various baked goods and ciders. Its flavor is mild and sweet, and to some, it may even taste like vanilla. Its flesh is a tad bit dense and yellow.
Knobbed Russet
Knobbed Russet, which is also called Winter Apple or Winter Russet, was first grown back in the 1800s in England. Its peel is rough and black with a warty and knobbly surface, which makes it look more like a potato. The flesh of this apple is creamy, soft, and sweet, which is why it's used to cook applesauce or a filling in baked offerings.
Catshed
Catshed apple has a flesh that's cream or white. The texture is crisp and coarse, while it tastes semi-sweet, tarty, and a bit acidic on the palate. It is an unusually shaped apple used for cooking purposes. It looks like a cat's head, hence the name. One can make puree, applesauce, and jams with it or use it in cakes, pies, or crumbles.
