The Wolf River Heritage Apple
Photo Credit Laura Cabot
When I purchased my little farmstead 20 years ago, the first thing I did was plant 3 Wolf River apple trees.
Photo Credit Laura Cabot
Why, you may ask? Well, when I first moved to Maine, I moved to the sleepy central Maine area, near St. Albans. I used to enjoy hiking in remote areas near there and it wasn’t uncommon back in the 70’s to find still undisturbed, ancient farmsteads, lost in time and marked only by a granite foundation, a lilac bush or three and a couple of Wolf River apple trees. The size of the apples on these old trees was astounding! I gathered a pail full and made my first Wolf River apple pie with just two. Often weighing a pound or more, these creamy fleshed apples are dry fleshed but perfectly suited for baking, with a flavor that develops in the oven. So bake I did, and the pie was unforgettable! The apples were soft and delicious, but held their shape.
Photo Credit Laura Cabot
And they’re pretty with a stripy pink blush over a greenish skin. The trees are hearty and attractive. This strain is over 150.years old. Originally found in Wisconsin in 1875 on the banks of the Wolf River, this is a cold hearty type of fruit tree and beautifully suited for a Maine winter.
Autumn is a great time to plant trees and shrubs. If you can get your hands on a Wolf River apple tree, I can tell you you won’t regret having one on your property, especially if you are a baker like me!
