Blue Ridge Mountain Apple Profiles

Originating in the 1870s in, obviously, The Natural State, this variety is reputed to be a part of the Winesap family, which includes such esteemed members as the Black Twig, Stayman, and, of course, the Old Fashioned Winesap.

The York, also known as the York Imperial, originated – logically enough – in York, Pennsylvania, in the early 1800s.

The Roxbury, which ripens in September and October depending on elevation, rarely makes appearances even in country stores these days as it is decidedly not a “pretty apple” by modern standards of beauty.

The Yellow Transparent tree bears earlier than most other Blue Ridge Mountain heritage trees with the fruit becoming ripe as early as July depending on elevation.

If there were a discussion about heritage apples that were made for these mountains, the list would have to include the Jonathan.