Gray Pearmain is a russet apple, which is marked by a rich, earthy taste. The character is not quite as distinctive as the Golden Russet—the Pearmain has a cleaner flavor. Like many fall varieties, it stores well. A great apple.
Monthly Archives: November 2013
The Tranquility of Late Fall, Part 1
Naomi and I moved to Maine in 2006. We soon settled in a small cape on four and a half acres of land. Part of our property is a small field that was dutifully cut every year. We stopped that practice and let the field chose its own destiny. It was not long before it was populated with all kinds of plants. Goldenrod is the most prolific and, at this time of year, has traded its gold for silver.
Mutsu—Apples of Maine
Mutsu is a beautiful yellow apple that can develop a red blush. The variety is thought to have originated in Japan. If you have had Asian or Japanese pears, then this apple is going remind you of those. It is large with a finely textured skin and a satisfying crispness when you bite into one. The flavor is complex—it takes some time to realize its character. Sweet, yes, but also tangy.
Winter Banana—Apples of Maine
Winter Banana is one of our favorite apples. It is a large fruit with a smooth waxy skin. Its distinctive yellow with a bright red blush makes it quite startling at first sight. Winter Banana is a crisp apple that has a slight tart character with a banana undertone. We have used these in pies. The flavor is fine, but it does fall apart and becomes more like apple sauce than apple slices.
Paulo Coelho and the Balloon, Part 5
In Paulo’s novel The Alchemist, the hero Santiago has a vision, or, more correctly, an experience of the world as whole, where the macrocosm and microcosm are one. In a balloon, there is no wind. There is no sense of motion; the world moves around you, the still point.
Paulo Coelho and the Balloon, Part 4
Breakfast and conversation followed our return to Earth. What was Paulo like? It would be hard to say. I think it is a conceit to think we can know anyone in a brief encounter, or even after a long friendship. I guess my impression of this man would be this image, this slice of time and space.
