Pippin Apples for Delivery or Pickup

Pippin apples, also known as Newton Pippins or Albemarle Pippins, are a fruit in the Rosaceae family, like all apples. Other common fruits in the Rosaceae family include peaches, apricots, cherries, almonds, blackberries, and raspberries. Pippin apples have either a light green or yellow skin with a slightly oblong shape giving them a lopsided look. The skin is generally smooth with a slightly waxy appearance and the top of the Pippin apple, near the stem, is often a russet brown color.

When you bite into or cut a Pippin apple open, you'll notice a fragrance similar to citrus. The flesh is crisp, and when harvested young, Pippin apples can be quite tart. As they mature and ripen on the tree or in cold storage, the tartness mellows out, and the fruit becomes quite sweet. Other flavor notes you may notice when eating Pippin apples are green tea, pine, or a slight nuttiness.

Pippin apples have been cultivated in the United States since the early 18th century and are believed to be the oldest American apple variety grown throughout the U.S. Commercial cultivation of Pippin apples ceased in the early 20th century as the granny smith apple grew in popularity. Today, backyard gardeners and small farmers grow Pippin apples, and you can occasionally find them at the farmer's market or store that carries specialty heritage produce.

As with most heritage or heirloom apples, Pippin apples often have an unusual shape, blemishes, and sometimes pockmarks on the skin of the apple. They have not been genetically altered to look perfect, shiny, and waxy like more commercially prevalent apples. However, their flavor and nutritional value are second-to-none, even if their appearance might not be perfect.

When you shop for Pippin apples at the market, look for ones with firm flesh, ones that still have the stem attached, and ones without bruises. The skin should have a light green or yellow hue to it, and when you smell the apple, you should notice a distinct citrus or green tea aroma. Avoid Pippin apples that look shriveled or have bruises, mushy parts, or moldy spots.

Pippin apples are best when they've been stored in a cool, dry place for a couple of months. Storing them helps to increase their sugar content, reduce the acid content, and improve their flavor. Pippin apples are delicious raw as well, but their flavor shines when paired with cheeses such as goat, gorgonzola, or blue cheese. It's easy to preserve Pippin apples in the form of canned apple butter or jams. The flavor of the Pippin apples works well with cinnamon, clove, and nutmeg added to the apple butter or jam.