Macoun Apples

by Kat Kinsman, Posted Oct 12th 2007 @ 6:41PM

Special to AOL from Sean Redlitz

When tallying the symbolic and metaphoric content found in the produce aisle, the apple ranks high, perhaps second only to the cherry. The garden of Eden, an apple for the teacher, an apple a day. Apple records. The Apple iPhone.

But for me, when I think "apple" the first thing that comes to mind is the unmistakable taste of a ripe Macoun. Cut one and notice how its purple-red skin contrasts beautifully with its snow white flesh. Bite one and discover a crisp, toothsome snap followed by a juicy rush of deep, almost wine-like sweetness.

Part of the magic of Macouns is that your opportunity to eat one is constrained geographically and temporally. They're only grown in the Northeast U.S., and they're only in season through October and November. Unlike some of its better-known kin, the Macoun is not bred to be a sturdy traveler; they bruise easily and don't last long on the shelf. Thus, you'll seldom come across one more than few hundred miles from where it's been picked.

If you find yourself in the Northeast in the next few weeks, make a beeline to the nearest greengrocer or farmers' market and taste what I and many other devotees consider to be the pinnacle of apple-snacking. Then mark your calendar for October 2008, and treasure the memory until then.

Editor's note: Mr. Redlitz lives in Los Angeles, where Macouns are hard to come by. I bought 12 Macouns at a farmer's market in Manhattan today and threatened to let them rot on my desk unless he wrote this piece. He'll be receiving an express mail package at his office within the next few days.

Make some Apple Bread Pudding tonight.

Filed Under: Guilty Pleasures, Local Favorites

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Reader comments (Page 1 of 1)

10-03-2008 @11:51AM Sean said... Well, it's October 2008 and I just had my first Macoun of the season. Yum!
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9-12-2009 @5:38PM Stephanie said... I bought 3 Macouns today, quite by accident (my stepdaughter grabbed them). Crispiest apple I've ever had. Also the most expensive at $4.88 for 3!!!!
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10-14-2007 @12:03AM Carol said... The Macoun sounds delicious, worth trying.
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10-17-2007 @9:59PM Rick said... This article rings so true. For most people who haven't had the opportunity to sample this "life's little pleasures" apple, it is by far the most delicious that god has seen fit to put upon this earth (with a little help from Mr. Wellington, thank you very much!). I literally stumbled upon this gem while out at a local orchard in southern NH that specialized in the “come-pick-your-own” brand of marketing. I was walking along amongst the trees with my daughter who stooped down to retrieve one from the ground. The fruit wasn't damaged from its fall in any way, so I let her carry it around with her all afternoon. The orchard owner identified the apple as a "McGowan". When we got home with her prize, my daughter graciously shared a slice with dear 'ole dad. WOW! What flavor! I was back at that orchard the next weekend to buy a bushel. I'll never forget that taste. Now that I reside in the Midwest, obtaining the little gems has proven to be an expensive proposition. Still, I've decided that I'm old enough to spoil myself once a year; even when current prices approach $2 per apple (delivered)! If you like apples and are ever in the New England region (upstate NY also produces them) at this particular time of year, by all means spoil yourself with one of these little jewels. You will not be sorry you did....
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