Esopus Spitzenburg
Place of Origin: Albany, NY
Year: Late 18th century, before 1776
Parentage: Chance seedling
Uses: Eating, Cider
History at Three Springs: Planted for farmers markets in 2012
One of two varieties that Thomas Jefferson described as his favorite apples, the other being 'Albemarle Pippen'. Jefferson planted 32 trees in Monticello's South Orchard between 1807 and 1812. The apple derives its name from the Esopus settlement which sits beside the Hudson River in modern-day Ulster County, NY which also lays claim to its origin. We put this cultivar in high regard at Three Springs - consistently acheiving both the highest sugars and highest acidity measured in our orchards. A true multi-purpose apple in the home kitchen and a superb American variety for cidermaking. It's also among Ben's favorite apples
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