Vintage Virginia Apples

ELSTAR, a cross of Golden Delicious and Cox's Orange Pippin, was introduced into the United States from Holland in 1972. It is commercially grown in Europe, and some commercial planting is underway in the United States. It is a yellow apple with light red stripes and a red blush with crisp, cream-colored flesh, similar in taste to the Jonagold. Medium-to-large in size, it is round in shape, and is suitable for both dessert and cooking. The tart flavor is enhanced after 4 to 6 weeks of storage to reduce the sharp acidity, and it will store for 3 months or longer with good flavor retention. It is sensitive to the hot and humid weather conditions of Central Virginia, and ripens in August.