Apple Trees

History: Rescue was developed at Agriculture and Agri-food Canada's Scott Research Station in Scott, Saskatchewan and was released in 1933. It is an open-pollinated seedling of Blushed Calville. 

Why We Grow It: Although the fruit is on the smaller side and doesn't keep well, Rescue has a good sweet-tart flavour that is good for fresh eating and is also good for cooking and preserves. This cold hardy applecrab is an excellent pollination partner for other apple trees.

History: Spigold (aka Spy Gold) was developed at the New York Agricultural Experiment Station in Geneva, New York and released in 1962. It is a cross between Red Spy and Golden Delicious that has remained somewhat popular in North America. 

Why We Grow It: Spigold marries the best qualities of Golden Delicious and Red Spy. It produces very large apples that are crisp and juicy with a honeyed sweet/tart flavour. These large apples are excellent for fresh eating, making applesauce, baking into pies, and making into cider. They also store quite well and some say the flavour actually improves in storage. 

History: Summer Rambo was first described in 1535 in France where it is known as Rambour d'Ete, named for its early ripening and the village of Rambures. It arrived in colonial America where it was called Summer Rambour which became Summer Rambo sometime before the 1850s. Its short shelf life means it never reached commercial success but it is a popular early apple at u-pick orchards and farmers' markets.

Why We Grow It: Summer Rambo produces oblong apples that are green with a red blush that ripen relatively early in the summer. This crisp, aromatic apple has a wine-like flavour that is good for fresh eating, cider, and sauce. Although it does not store well, it is a delightful summer treat!