Graniwinkle

Why you should be excited

Graniwinkle is a very old U.S. apple variety that was most widely used in cider, back in the day.

The story of Graniwinkle

We’ve added a few obscure apples to our orchard over the first few years of grafting and planting and Graniwinkle certainly belongs in that category.

Most apple references don’t even mention this very old U.S. variety, perhaps because it was primarily considered to be a cider apple.

The quirky name actually has a fairly mundane explanation: the first person to cultivate this apple –- back in early 19th century New Jersey –- went by the name Graniwinkle. As a result, the apple did too.

Respected in the past for the excellent cider it made, word is that this variety also makes for a very nice fresh eating apple. We look forward to giving it a try.

Graniwinkle Facts

Its origins

Unknown origins in New Jersey, USA, sometime around the early 1800s.

Flavour, aroma, texture

In the past, the rich, sweet flavour was mainly used in cider, although it is apparently a nice fresh-eating apple, too.

Appearance

The greenish-yellow skin of this medium-sized roundish apple is flushed with a fairly dark red, along with red stripes.

When they’re available

Mid-season (usually in late September).

Quality for fresh eating

Good.

Quality for cooking

Not particularly known as a cooking apple.

Quality for cider

Very good. Graniwinkle, while not an especially well-known heritage variety, has a stellar reputation for its use in old-time North American ciders.

Keeping ability

We'll let you know when we find out.