My Favorite Baking Apple
I always wondered how to choose a great baking apple. I mean, what really should I look for? Well a great baking apple has two important characteristics: a tough outer skin and a mixed taste. What is a mixed taste? It is sweet and tart.
My favorite apple to use for baking is the Cortland. I get them in the fall of the year between September and April.
It is a cross breed apple from New York. It was developed in 1898 at a New York State Agricultural Experiment Station.
The name of the Cortland Apple came from the county in New York, Cortland County, which gets it’s name from Mr. Pierre Van Cortlandt.
Cortland County got its name from Mr. Pierre Van Cortland the President of the Convention who wrote the 1st Constitution for New York State. Mr. Pierre Van Cortland also served as lieutenant governor for the state as well. So the Cortland possesses a historic name in New York.
Cortland apple have a white, juicy flesh as where others have a yellow flesh. This makes them an appealing apple to serve as a garnish. The apples do not seem to discolor as quickly as other apples do.
Cortland Apples are great for baking of course, but also great served on a plate with cheese and crackers. They are great as garnishes. These apples tend not to color quickly which makes them a favorite as well.
A great baking apple should be tested for firmness. To do so, put the apple in your hand. Do not squeeze it but see if it is firm and heavy in weight. If so, then it is the one you want.
Also check it’s skin. Is the outer layer wrinkling? If so, pass on the apple. Make sure it has the tough skin. Because if it is wrinkling it was in the cold too long or not long enough.
To store your Cortlands, keep them as cool as possible. Best place is in the frig. Apples will not freeze unless temps are below 28 degrees F.
And if you are worried about them browning, do not fret! Take your slices or what have you, rub a bit of lemon juice all over and they will be great for awhile.
Enjoy these great apples today. There are other great baking apples too. Check your local orchards or produce stands. Taste on fresh off the tree, that is best anyway!
