True Origin Story Of Hidden Rose Apples Known For Their Unusual Taste
The Hidden Rose apple is a natural hybrid apple that was first discovered growing in the wild in the Pacific Northwest around 1960. However, cultivating the special variety didn't become a commercial commodity until a few years ago. That is thanks to the apple's special flavor that's a unique mesh of tartness and mild sweetness that most people like to a strawberry-lemonade flavor.
Photo credit: Out on a limb apples
The story of the Hidden Rose apples' origin extends as far back as the mid 1960s when
Lucky and Audrey Newell moved to a large property in Airlie, Oregon and sold the eighty
acres where this one and only red-fleshed apple tree stood.
THE TRUE ORIGINS OF HIDDEN ROSE APPLES
The "parent tree" of the unique apple, which is also known as the Newell-Kimzey variety,
grew in the middle of the Newells' meadow just six feet from an abandoned, hand-dug well.
However, they didn't seem to pay attention to the sturdy tree in their home until about 20
years later when Louis Kimzey, former field manager at Thomas Paine Farms, was walking
through the Newells' old orchards and picked an apple from the large tree.
He bit into the apple expecting to find the typical creamy flesh but what he found instead was
succulent flesh that was of the most delicate pink hue. Thus, the beginning of the Hidden
Rose apple.
In 1992, Eric Schwartz, known to care deeply about preservation of the land and minimal
use of chemicals for all growing operations on his farms, planted the first Hidden Rose apple
orchard.
Thomas Paine Farms is the first farm in the United States to be certified for “sustainable
agricultural practices.” The apple is certified “organic” by The Oregon Tilth Organization and
the United States Department of Agriculture.
WHY PEOPLE LOVE THE HIDDEN ROSE APPLES
Aside from being grown using the highest environmental standards, Hidden Rose apples are
known for their unique features. They have a pale yellow skin covered with a sprinkling of
white freckles and a faint red hue. Their vibrant pink flesh is also both crisp and juicy.
Their signature pink color and sweetness are perhaps enhanced by the mild climate of the
Pacific Northwest with its warm days and cool nights.
The special apples are best enjoyed when served raw and thinly sliced. You can also pair
them with sweet or savory spreads, cheeses or use them to garnish any dish.
Enjoy!
