Hoover

Why you should be excited

Hoover is a 19th century apple from the U.S. south that was once a prime variety offered for sale.

The story of Hoover

If you were travelling by train through the U.S. south during the fall sometime in the second half of the 19th century, chances are you would be offered apples for sale by vendors at various stops along your journey.

And -- according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture -- it's likely the variety you would see most often would be Hoover.

A late ripener and a good keeper, this variety is attractive and nicely firm.

Also known by cool names like Black Coal, Baltimore Red, Thunderbolt and Welcome, this is an apple we hope will grow well on Salt Spring Island. Since it was often grown in cooler mountain areas of the U.S. south, we're optimistic.

Hoover Facts

Its origins

Raised from seed in Edisto, South Carolina, USA, sometime before 1850.

Flavour, aroma, texture

The yellowish flesh is firm, tender, fairly juicy and subacid.

Appearance

This big apple is roundish, with splashes and stripes of dark red, sometimes so dark that it verges on black.

When they’re available

Very late season (usually in November).

Quality for fresh eating

Very good.

Quality for cooking

Mainly used for fresh eating.

Quality for cider

While best known as a great-keeping fresh eating apple, Hoover, like all old U.S. apples, was undoubtedly used extensively in cider-making over the years.

Keeping ability

Very good (up to 4 months when kept refrigerated).