Twenty Ounce

This all-purpose variety was first exhibited by George Howland of New Bedford, Massachusetts in 1843 at the Mass Horticultural Society.   Howland found the original seedling on his farm in Cayuga County, New York and brought it with him to Massachusetts.   Twenty Ounce is aptly named as it’s been known to produce apples as large as a baby's head and as heavy as twenty ounces.  Yet this fall- early winter apple also has a variety of alternate names: Cayuga Red Streak, Cabashea, Oxheart, and two of our favorites,  Eighteen Ounce Apple(perhaps this one was growing on poor soil) and Blessing of Vermont.  Some time after the mid-19th century Twenty Ounce found its way to Maine, and old trees can still be found here and there around the state. A few years ago John came across a beautiful 10-12 tree orchard of Twenty Ounce in Aroostook County.  The red fruit is very large and has an interesting, mildly tart taste and firm, white flesh.  It is not thought of as a dessert fruit (eating it fresh is a huge commitment), but we recommend it for mid-season pies. It’s also good for apple sauce, in salads and especially on cheddar and apple pizza.