Raven

Why you should be excited

Raven is a smallish, orange-to-red-fleshed, modern U.S. cider apple that originated on an island near our orchard.

The story of Raven

The world has reached a point where it’s surprising when we can’t instantly find everything about everything when we search online. 

So I was shocked to find virtually nothing on the internet about the Raven apple, despite its unusual characteristics and its origins, apparently just a few kilometres from our Salt Spring Island orchard.

The one reference I can find talks about this as an apple that’s both juicy and well-suited to drying, orange or red-fleshed and mainly used for cider.

You’d think an apple as dark-skinned as this one would get a lot of attention even if it wasn’t good in cider.

Even if it wasn’t gushing with juice high in sugar and acid.

Even if it wasn’t from a tiny island in Washington’s San Juans.

Raven Facts

Its origins:

Originated on Waldron Island, Washington, USA, unknown date.

Flavour, aroma, texture

This juicy apple is quite acidic, yet still sweet.

Appearance

Small to medium-sized and round, with dark burgundy over yellow.

When they’re available

Late season (in our orchard: late September).

Quality for fresh eating

Good, although mainly used for apple chips and cider.

Quality for cider

Good.

Quality for cooking

Good for drying.

Keeping ability

Minimal (1 or 2 weeks if kept refrigerated).