| Russ Simpson has worked at the Apple Shed , the roadside stand on Highway 29 near Lovingston started by his father in 1956, for more than 40 years. So the man knows apples, and the apple trade, to the core. Here, he provides some under-the-peel insights: |
1. MEN ARE FROM FUJI, WOMEN ARE FROM ROME.
According to Simpson, an overwhelming majority of his female customers request tart apples, while men greatly prefer sweet apples. “My data aren’t exactly scientific,” he says, “but I’ve been selling apples long enough to know it’s a true fact.”
2. THE AVERAGE PERSON EATS 65 APPLES A YEAR.
Therefore, most of us fall well short of the apple-a-day prescription for keeping the doctor away. Simpson chomps about two apples a day, so he’s “picking up the slack.”
3. COLD IS GOOD.
Simpson, who sets his cooler between 35 and 40 degrees, says it’s a false notion that cold storage robs flavor. Apples age up to 10 times faster at room temperature, and light has a degrading effect, too. So he advises keeping apples in a brown paper bag inside the refrigerator crisper drawer.
4. HOKIES KNOW APPLES.
While he admits he knows some fine Wahoo apple growers, Simpson notes that top local orchards are full of Virginia Tech alumni. “It’s an agricultural school, so it makes sense. The reason the Apple Shed is successful is because I’m surrounded by people like them.”
5. THE PEEL IS A PILL.
Sure, apples are healthy, but most of the fiber and antioxidants reside in the peel. So put that peeler back in its holster!
6. MACINTOSH ISN’T VIRGINIA’S BEST.
Central Virginia conditions don’t produce the best example of this popular, versatile variety, according to Simpson. Compared to Macs grown by orchards to our north (even as close as Pennsylvania), ours are softer and break down faster.
7. THERE IS AN APPLE GENERATION GAP.
Older customers like “old timey” varieties such Black Twig and Winesap; younger folks go for newer varieties such as Honeycrisp and Pink Lady. “I have to be cognizant that older people may not choose harder apples for reasons having to do with their teeth.”
8. THE BEST APPLE YOU’VE NEVER EATEN IS A LOWRY.
Simpson hasn’t had one of his top-five all-time favorite varieties in 20 years, but still fondly remembers its distinctive semi-sweet taste and crunchy snap. “It has faded away,” he laments; it tends to get mealy quickly in storage. But you can still find it in early September at Ryan’s Fruit Market in Timberville; or you can buy the tree at Vintage Virginia Apples in North Garden.
9. YOUR APPLE IS YOUR IDENTITY.
Simpson deduces a lot about a person from what apple they like. “For instance, if somebody comes in and asks for Jonathan apples, I ask what part of the Midwest are they from. They get a surprised look, then tell me what part of the Midwest they’re from.”
10. IT AIN’T EASY BEING A PIPPIN.
The Albemarle Pippin is Virginia’s most famous apple, but the fact that it’s relatively difficult to grow creates more demand than supply even on its home turf. “I beg for more of them every year.” |
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