Heads up, foodies. You want “heirloom,” right? Heirloom this, heirloom that.
Well, we’ve got heirloom — apples, that is. Comin’ atcha, Oct. 27-28, during the Hood River County Fruit Loop’s Heirloom Apple Celebration.
The Hood River Heirloom Apple Celebration celebrates classic varieties of apples — those also referred to of late as “heirloom.”
Although they make for delicious eating and baking, some “heirloom” apples may not store as well or as long as more familiar varieties, or they may be more difficult to grow, or they may bruise more easily.
Whatever other liabilities they may have from a commercial standpoint, taste is definitely not one. They are … um … YUM!
Varieties include Spitzenburg, Rome Beauty, Newtown Pippin, Winter Banana and Ortley.
In addition to fresh classic apples, many Fruit Loop farms are offering special activities throughout the weekend.
Kiyokawa Orchards will serve up more than 75 kinds of apples and 24 kinds of Asian and European pears during its 10th annual Heirloom Apple Tasting.
The weekend brings the Cider Days Celebration at Draper Girls Country Farm. Sip into a collection of cider blends, including cherry, pear, and grape.
Apple Valley Country Store, down next to the Hood River, will host its Heirloom Apple Butter Festival. Watch preparation of apple butter, or munch into some fried biscuits — with apple butter — or cherry-wood smoked barbecue ribs, pulled pork or chicken sandwiches.
There’s loads more goodies to peruse along the Loop. Admission and parking is free. Farms and attractions along the Fruit Loop are open from at least 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily (wineries open at 11 a.m.).
For complete information, visit the Fruit Loop website. Printed copies are available at the Hood River County Visitors Center (Hood River exit 64 off Interstate 84), at various Hood River Valley area businesses, and at Fruit Loop locations.
For more info, call the Fruit Loop at 541-386-7697.
