New Brunswicker

In about 1850, the great plant breeder and nurseryman Francis Peabody Sharp planted Russian apple seed obtained from a Bangor nurseryman. Several years later one of Mr Sharp's employees discovered a hardy, late summer apple in the nursery. It was immediately propagated and later named "New Brunswicker." The parentage of this apple is unknown, however its close resemblance to both Duchess and Alexander have led many to speculate that it might be a seedling of one of the other. In fact it is so similar to Duchess of Oldenburg that several apple historians claim that they are the same. Regardless, in Aroostook County, New Brunswicker is considered to be a distinct variety, and the apple is known and much revered throughout the County.

New Brunswicker has bright red stripes over a base of yellow. This all-purpose apple is tart when eaten fresh, but it makes an excellent summer pie. It quickly cooks into an apple sauce that is soft and creamy. Although the skins do not break down completely, they are easy to eat.