Heirloom Apples in the High Country
It’s apple season! In the fall, High Country produce stands and farmers markets are bursting with unique apple varieties. In Blowing Rock, local apples are available at Sunset Tees & Hattery and Blowing Rock Market during the fall season. Which apples are best for making apple pie? What about cider? What makes the NC High Country ideal for growing so many varieties of apples? Bill Moretz of Moretz Mountain Orchard was happy to answer those questions and many more at his apple tasting & presentation at the Blowing Rock Art & History Museum‘s Scholars & Scones program. We’ve compiled some facts from the event for you here! Moretz Mountain Orchard grows over 100 varieties of apples, specializing in some heirlooms that can be hard to find elsewhere. Bill brought eight different apples to sample; all so different and all delicious. Here’s what he told us about each one: Winter GreeningThis is an excellent apple for cooking. It comes in a little early so it’s available sooner than some other varieties. It’s bit tart, and tends to brown very fast after cutting. Moretz Mountain Orchard also grows blueberries, huckleberries, raspberries, blackberries, cherries, pears (European and Asian), plums, Goumi, Quince, persimmons, paw paw, and peaches and nectarines if the weather cooperates. Produce they grow includes potatoes, sweet potatoes, pumpkins and winter squash. They offer dried apples and dried sweet potatoes. The products are distributed directly to local buyers at the Watauga County Farmers Market and the High Country Food Hub. Apples are a special part of the food identity of the High Country. If you’re interested learning more about regional foods and how they affect our culture, check out the archive page for the Farm, Forage, Feast: High Country Foodways exhibit at Blowing Rock Art & History Museum. The archive includes video interviews of local food producers! See more posts about Fall in Blowing Rock