Friday, August 25, 2017

Apples in August: Fuji



This crisp little genetically engineered apple has a reddish pink wash over a yellow-green backdrop.

According to Specialty Produce, "Fuji apples were first developed in the 1930s at the Tohoku Research Station in Morioka, Japan. They quickly became one of the most commonly grown apple varieties in Japan and in the 1960s were made commercially available in the United States. Today, the bulk of Fuji apples are grown in Japan, China, and apple growing regions in the United States such as California and Washington State."

"Fuji apples unite two apple traditions—old American varieties discovered on farms and homesteads, and the modern way of breeding new apples at research stations. In fact, Virginia Ralls Janet apples, one of the Fuji’s parents, was first grown at Thomas Jefferson’s Monticello. Fuji made the circuitous route from the early United States, to Japan, back to America, where it is a popular apple today. "


Julie Green

August 26, 2017

Saturday, August 19, 2017

Apples in August: Aurora Golden Gala



What a gorgeous apple this Aurora Golden Gala is! Creamy, yellow gold and lightly flecked they are crisp and juicy. They are also a member of the rose family. Specialty Produce says "The Aurora Golden Gala™ is known as a “dessert” apple, meaning that its flavor is best enjoyed fresh. One can eat it on its own (perfect in a lunchbox or picnic basket), in a fruit salad, or in platters and fruit spreads. It makes a deliciously healthy snack for kids, especially when paired with peanut butter. The cut flesh browns quickly, so drizzle lemon juice over the slices if they will be out for more than a few minutes."

"This apple was bred as a cross between the varieties ‘Gala’ and ‘Splendour.’ It was developed at The Pacific Agri-Food Research Centre (PARC), a leader in Canadian apple breeding in Summerland, British Columbia. The organization Agriculture Canada held a nation-wide contest to name the apple and received over 11,000 entries. The winning entry was created by a woman from Ottawa who said that the apple reminded her of the northern lights."

Julie Green
August 19, 2017

Saturday, August 12, 2017

Apples in August - Granny Smith



This week I wove a portrait of the stunning green apple: Granny Smith.

According to Specialty Produce, Granny Smith apples are "a member of the rose family (Rosaceae), and are believed to be a relative of the French crab apple. Most apples are green when immature and then when ripe take on shades of red, pink and yellow. Granny Smith apples, however maintain their green hue both when immature and ripe."

"Granny Smith apples were discovered in Australia in the 1860’s, as a chance seedling in the compost pile on the orchard of Maria Ann Smith. Granny Smith apples were first introduced commercially to the United Kingdom in the 1930’s and later to the United States in the 1970’s. They were one of the first varieties of apple widely available in supermarkets as their thick skin and excellent storing qualities made them suitable for shipping. Today Granny Smith apples grow in Australia, Europe, New Zealand, South America and the United States. They tend to ripen best in warmer climates where they get a significant amount of sunshine."

Julie Green
August 12, 2017

Saturday, August 5, 2017

Apples in August: Red Delicious


It's August and that means it's time for a woven image series! This year I decided to create portraits of produce instead of people. In 2015 I featured Authors in August and in 2016 I concentrated on Angles in August.

According to Specialty Produce, "the Red Delicious apple was discovered as a chance seedling in 1872 on the Iowa farm of Jesse Hiatt. He marketed it under the name Hawkeye and eventually sold the rights to a fruit company known as Stark Brothers. The apple was first renamed Delicious and later on when Stark Brothers discovered another apple and named it Golden Delicious they renamed the Delicious, Red Delicious. 


The Red Delicious apple saw tremendous commercial success between 1940 till the late 1980’s, with the bulk of the supply coming out of Washington State. Its popularity has declined slightly the past twenty years as consumer interest has swayed to new varieties as well as towards a renewed interest in heirloom apples."


Julie Green

August 5, 2017