Apples

by Roger Yepsen, Illustrated By Author (Illustrator)

Picture-perfect apples with lackluster flavor dominate the American and European markets because they have the longest shelf life and broadest appeal. At the same time, there is a renaissance of interest in preserving precious, personality-packed heirloom apples. To lure people into joining this small but growing movement, Roger Yepsin has created this visually enchanting book devoted to the infinitely varied apple. In it, he talks about how apples are grown, stored, and used to make cider and harder alcoholic beverages, as well as for cooking and eating. You can virtually taste the complex flavors of over 80 kinds of apples, thanks to Yepsin's exquisite prose and the vividly detailed watercolors he painted for Apples. Looking through the section describing each apple variety takes you on an international journey. You will meet the Japanese-bred Akane, introduced in 1970, the golden, russet-skinned Zabergau Reinette that came from Germany in the 1880s, and the French Calville Blanc which has been cultivated since the 1500s and which Thomas Jefferson grew. This informative romancing of the apple may draw you to a local farm stand, or inspire you to contact one of the mail order sources Yepsin provides for buying apples, actual trees, cider presses, and winemaking supplies. At the very least, you will want to experience for yourself apples beyond the usual tart Green Granny Smith and reliably dull Red Delicious. --Dana Jacobi

Genres: Nonfiction, Food, Cookbooks, Reference, Nature

Hardcover

First published September 17, 1994

Reviews

[Sky · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a book I loved that I'm not sure any other friends would enjoy at all! It's literally about varieties of apples!

I saw it on the shelf at the library and had the sudden, overwhelming feeling of "this is the kind of book I want to always be available at my library," so even though I already had like 10 books I was checking out I grabbed this one too so I could show it my support.

(It was published in 1994 and has a paper checkout history all the way back to 1996 in my library copy. I wonder which other local folks were interested in this book like me?)

It's about the size of my hand, and each spread is about a single variety of apple. On the right there's a short history of the apple, a description of the taste, and preparation recommendations. On the right, there's a beautiful illustration of a specimen by the artist.

The book is fairly old, and written by an author from the East coast, so it was definitely dated and sort of regional - growing up in Washington, land of apples, I felt very superior reading about how the PNW has a highly refined apple palate and growing habits.

I was surprised when he talked about Fuji being a new introduction from Japan - I remember going to the grocery store roughly when this book came out and Fuji was definitely my family's apple of choice all throughout my life. Other apples that I didn't realize were "exotic" like Braeburns (from NZ) were also things I've eaten my whole life, so I guess I've lived a lucky apple life. (????????????)

ANYWAY A++ BOOK, it inspired me to try buying even more different kinds of apples at the store and also to pursue some more heirloom varieties at the farmer's market in the fall! I put a hold on his book "Berries" next and I AM BEYOND EXCITED.

[Timothy · Rating 5 out of 5]

I gave this book to my father as a gift in 2000. Some time before he died in 2010 I took it back when his dementia eventually led to his giving up reading (something he always loved) altogether. Dad grew up in an orchard and he taught me a lot about apples. This is a delightful little book with wonderfully drawn illustrations (by the author) which packs in a lot of information. A great book to own and refer to constantly.

[Mary · Rating 4 out of 5]

Short book on apples. It was fun to read about all the different varieties. I must note, however, that the author can be a snotty as he wants about the Red Delicioius apple but I will still love it!

[Laura · Rating 4 out of 5]

Loved the introduction of this book and reading all about how important apples were to early-American society. The bulk of the book is apple variety profiles, very interesting but not comprehensive and missing some varieties I was hoping to learn about. But still a very good guide and a nice small size.

[Peter Strauss · Rating 5 out of 5]

In the interests of transparency, Roger Yepsen is my brother-in-law; yet, I honestly think his books, which often have to do with heirloom vegetables and fruit, are exquisite gems. This small digest, as it were, has catalogues a selection of heirloom apple varieties. Each variety is given a brief note on it's appearance, taste and history. Each variety is also illustrated with beautifully painted representative apples. Certainly I have a bias, but if I didn't like the books, here and below, I would have simply left them off my list. By the way, I am not plugging the book, as I believe it is out of print.

[Ray LaManna · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book will tell you everything you ever wanted to know about apples... besides color pictures of each apple, the author gives a short history of each apple. Some have been grown in the US since the 1600s-amazing!

[Patrick Macke · Rating 4 out of 5]

Wonderful, easy to digest and good for you ... I appreciate you more now apple, and I will endeavor to "branch out" in both my apple mindset and consumption

[Poleyo · Rating 4 out of 5]

Inspired me to eat more apples! And really think about the taste of different cultivars.

[Romie · Rating 5 out of 5]

We keep this book with the atlases, so I can take it out and browse when I want to imaginary travel. I suppose it is my equivalent to birdwatching. Sometimes, I visit my old friends Jongold (a cross between Jonathan and Golden Delicious, a good all-arounder) or Bramley's Seedling (grown from a pip, a lucky accident, and acidic in the way that makes English pies and ciders so appealing [a.k.a. this is why in America we can't have nice things]). Other times, I look up apples I have never seen and likely never will. A simple, perfect book of hand-drawn color portraits of apples, paired with concise facing-page descriptions of origin, flavor, season, suitable preparations, and best storage practices.

[Tarn · Rating 4 out of 5]

Okay. So one autumn day in 1994, my dad and I strolled through his collection of apples. He has over 100 varieties. We would take a bite, or two, of every type of apple, stroll on, sample more, stroll on, sample more - a real moment of pleasure and indolence. On my birthday in 1995 he gave me this book in memory of that moment. Anyhow - a great little book with in-depth information on a sundry of apple varieties, modern and ancient, and all scrumptious - with illustrations!

[Pat · Rating 5 out of 5]

A wonderful look at 90 varieties of apples, with their histories and descriptions. The illustrations are delightful. There were so many varieties of apples available in earlier time periods; we're lucky to see half a dozen. The names are wonderful: Cox's Orange Pippin (a really delicious apple), Westfield Seek No Further (I've wanted to try this one since I was a child). And it's a little square book that sits comfortably in the hand--just like a good apple.

[Lauren · Rating 4 out of 5]

Mr. Yepsen's water colors are photograph quality. Plus, he's a stand-up guy in real life.

[Catalogermom · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wonderful pictures and descriptions of apples of all types.