The crisp autumn air brings on the season of hoodie sweatshirts, boots and jeans, scarves and…APPLES in Western Massachusetts. Having grown up in Southwick and Westfield, MA my whole life, I now realize that we are spoiled in this area by the supply of fresh, wonderful apples that are grown locally. I always love a Granville or Westfield Parish grown apple.
The type of apples that I most associate with Western MA are the Macintosh, Macoun and Cortland, but in listening to a radio program a week or so ago, I learned that antique, or heirloom apples are making a comeback and a favorite of apple connoisseurs is the Westfield Seek-No-Further, originally from Westfield, MA!
I had never heard of this apple before, so while at Westfield’s Colonial Harvest Day, I asked an apple farmer if he had…guess what? He didn’t know it, either. That left me to ask good ole’ Google.
According to The New England Apple Growers, “The Westfield Seek-No-Further, originating in Westfield, Massachusetts, in the 1700s, was a popular New England variety in the 1800s, first being distributed to Connecticut. It has recently enjoyed a comeback by amateur growers.”
They are kind enough to describe the texture and taste as a dessert apple with a nutty flavor that isn’t good for cooking.
Further searching found an apple blogger who did a review of the apple and the comments are especially interesting about where people are currently growing the Westfield Seek-No-Further. His tasting notes were, ” Its taste is nicely balanced, honey paired with a sprightly acidity that is never harsh.”
Many heirloom apple names describe the flavor but other names boast their place of origin, as in Roxbury Russet, Westfield-Seek-No-Further, and Baldwin, all Bay State towns.
With the famous Johnny Appleseed hailing from Massachusetts (he was born in Leominster and moved to Springfield before going on his cross country adventure), it should be no surprise that Massachusetts is 12th in apple production for the country with wonderful apple farms all over.
I love to take the drive up to Granville and visit the apple farms there. Where do you like to go? Have you ever found a Westfield Seek-No-Further?
