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Produce Briefs...
Ramps
The wild ramp, AKA wild leek, botanical name Allium tricoccum, is a flowering perennial plant that grows in clusters. It is a member of the Allium family along with onions and leeks
Calamondin Limes
The Calamondin lime is a cross between a sour, loose skinned mandarin and a kumquat, therefore technically making it an orangequat.
Salanova® Lettuces
Salanova® lettuce is a full-sized variety developed for the baby lettuce market. Botanically these varieties are scientifically known as Lactuca sativa.
Description/Taste
Spencer apples are large and conical. The skin is almost entirely reddish-pink with some green highlights. Inside, the flesh is fairly hard, with a crisp and juicy texture. The taste has a honeyed sweetness balanced by some acidity— a true sweet-tart apple.
Seasons/Availability
Spencer apples are available in the fall.
Current Facts
The Spencer apple, botanical name Malus domestica, is a mid-season variety originating from British Columbia, Canada. This apple’s parents are Golden Delicious and McIntosh.
Nutritional Value
Apples have few calories and no fat, sodium, or cholesterol. They do contain small amounts of Vitamin C and potassium, and more significant amounts of several types of fiber. Soluble fiber is necessary for a healthy cardiovascular and digestive system. Pectin, another type of fiber, also contributes to a healthy intestinal tract.
Applications
Spencers are an all-purpose variety, good for both eating fresh out of hand and for cooking/baking. They particularly shine as a dessert apple, but they are a good choice for pies and applesauce as well. Pair with a robust aged cheddar cheese for a snack or in a salad. Spencers have a fairly short storage span, but can last for a couple of months in proper cool, dry storage.
Ethnic/Cultural Info
A number of research stations around the world have developed and released many apples to the world during the twentieth and twenty-first century. Spencer is one example of this process. Once it was discovered at the Summerlands research center, it underwent significant testing to make sure it would be a good apple for the modern market.
Geography/History
The Pacific Agri-Food Research Center apple breeding station at Summerland, British Columbia, has produced a number of apples, including Spencer. R.C. Palmer discovered this variety at the station in 1926. It took thirty years of development, and Spencer was finally released to market in 1959.
Recipe Ideas
Recipes that include Spencer Apples. One
is
easiest, three is harder.| Simply Happy Foodie |
|
Instant Pot Strawberry Applesauce |
| Grateful Prayer and a Thankful Heart |
|
Homemade Chunky Applesauce |
