Autumn Apples

As we head into summer here in Australia, I can't help but feel melancholic about autumn in America. It's a great time to head out to the countryside and do some "leaf peepin' ". On this particular weekend we went to beautiful Vermont to check out the fabulous autumnal colour. Needless to say I was on the look out, when I could take my eyes of the scenery, for local produce.

Scott Farm [www.scottfarmvermont.com], in Kipling Road, Dummerston, grows an amazing range of apples and specializes in heirloom varieties from around the world. If you're lucky, you'll meet Zeke, the orchard manager, whose knowledge of apples is astounding.

Talking with Zeke about old varieties led to a trip to the shed to view some even more amazing varieties not on display at the stall. These included Belle du Boscoop; Duchess of Oldenburg; Hubbarston Nonesuch; Lamb Abbey Pearmain; Dolgo Crabapples; Winter Banana; Wolf river and perhaps the most endearing name of all, Black Cauliflower or Sheep's Nose [a dark tapered apple, seen in the top right hand corner of the photo].

Zeke considers Orleans Reinette to be "one of the most handsome apples on the planet" due to it's lovely russeted, rosy cheek and flattened shape. As for me, it would be impossible to decide - so many different colours, shapes and textures. They were all so attractive in their own individual way.

Many of the varieties have been grown for centuries and some since ancient times, like the Lady Apple - one of the oldest apples grown today. It was well established during the Roman Empire. It was also popular during the Renaissance when woman would keep one tucked in their bosom and taken out to freshen their breath. A nice idea in such 'smelly' times.

Even older than the Lady Apple, according to legend, is the Greenings Rhode Island apple which is reputed to have come from the tree of knowledge in the Garden of Eden!

It was really inspiring to see the effort that Scott Farm puts in to ensuring these varieties are here, hopefully for many centuries to come.

On our next visit we plan to stay in the old 'sugarhouse' [an historic building in which maple syrup was once made]. Other properties on the farm are available as accommodation and all are listed with the Landmark Trust, USA.

Interestingly, the neighbouring property belonged to Rudyard Kipling and is supposed to be where he wrote The Jungle Book. He spent as much time as he could here and was a favourite place to work. We could certainly see the attraction. It's a very beautiful place and one to add to your short stay list.