Hauer Pippin

Why you should be excited

Hauer Pippin is a California apple that needs a super-long growing season to ripen and then keeps equally long.

The story of Hauer Pippin

Let’s admit right up front that we may never properly ripen Hauer Pippin on Salt Spring Island. It needs such a crazy-long growing season, it’s a long shot to even try growing this variety here. Admitedly, climate change means all bets are off.

Yet the payoff, if we can get it ripe, is substantial, as it’s known for its addictive flavour and its ability to store right up until the end of the following spring.

Once a highly popular apple in California through the winter and beyond, Hauer Pippin is now more of a novelty item.

We figure this likely cross of Cox’s Orange Pippin and Yellow Bellflower– it was a chance seedling, so we don’t know for sure – is overdue for a comeback.

Hauer Pippin Facts

Its origins

Discovered in Santa Cruz, California, USA; 1890s introduction.

Flavour, aroma, texture

Hard and crisp, this is a juicy, tart, flavourful apple that mellows in storage.

Appearance

This large apple is blushed red over its yellow background. The white bloom that often covers it can make it seem purple.

When they’re available

Very late season (usually in November).

Quality for fresh eating

Very good.

Quality for cooking

Good.

Quality for cider

Considered useful, if unremarkable, as part of modern cider blends.

Keeping ability

Excellent (up to 6 months when kept refrigerated).