Nodhead

Nodhead originated in the mid to late 1800’s in Hollis, New Hampshire on the farm of Samuel Jewett. According to the Hollis Historical Society the apple which the Jewett family called Jewett’s Red orJewett’s Fine Red, was locally referred to as “Nod-head from the fact that Jewett nodded his head when walking or talking”. That seems to be the name that stuck with the apple over the years although we have also heard it referred to as “Not-head”.

Nodhead was the first variety that John learned to identify 47 years ago when he moved to Palermo because at that time Nodhead trees were scattered all over town. Some years ago, Maine resident Ruth King shared this remembrance of Nodhead, “When I was a little girl (I’m 89 now) a Nodhead tree grew just outside our dining room. I expect it was quite frail as there were so few apples that the five of us kids squabbled as to who got the most!”

It is excellent eating right off the tree after a few frosty nights in October, and it remains crisp and tart well into winter.  It stays chewy in cakes and apple brownies - you know there’s apple in there.  Like Blue Pearmain, its possible parent, it has a heavy, blue bloom.