Gravenstein

The Gravenstein is an ancient variety, thought to have originated in the 17th century either in Denmark or Germany. It reached the United States via Russian fur traders in California in the early 1800s. The fruit is uniquely shaped—often lumpy or irregularly ribbed—with a thin skin featuring red and orange stripes over a creamy yellow base. It is legendary for its high juice content and honey-like aroma, making it a favorite for artisanal cider and premium applesauce. Because the fruit stems are short, they are prone to falling from the tree when ripe, and their short harvest window in late summer makes them a true seasonal delicacy.