ArtsFoodHistory

Apples from Yesterday to Tomorrow

Eric Samuelson

Learn all about the history of different apple varieties from across the country and what the future looks like for these apples.

whatappletoeattoday.substack.com

Play

Open in

20 episodes
weekly
Avg 9 min
English

Episodes 20

Newest Oldest Longest

All20 Unplayed20 In progress0 Played0

Monday · 9 min
Episode 90 - What’s a Rubens Apple?
In today’s episode I am talking about a sweet apple that is an offspring of the Gala apple. This one is called Rubens (with an “s” at the end!) or also Red Rubens. It is an apple that originated in Italy but has become one that I have found at several orchards in Utah and Oregon over the last few years. Take a listen to the podcast today to learn more about this variety. Get full access to What Apple to Eat Today at whatappletoeattoday.substack.com/subscribe
- Transcript
November 2 · 9 min
Episode 89 - What’s a Bramley’s Seedling Apples?
Whenever I am talking about modern apple varieties, I often start with what apples the new apple was created from. But in today’s podcast episode I am sharing the story of an heirloom apple that was planted as a seed without any particular intentions. The Bramley’s Seedling from England is regarded as a fabulous baking apple. These aren’t easy to find and I was lucky to get my hands on some this fall. Take a listen to the episode and learn about this variety. Also check out the recipe that I use whenever I am testing how an apple variety does when baked: How to Make a Single Serving Apple Cobbler in Your Air Fryer Get full access to What Apple to Eat Today at whatappletoeattoday.substack.com/subscribe
- Transcript
October 26 · 10 min
Episode 88 - What’s a Sweet Sixteen Apple?
In today’s episode, I am covering the Sweet Sixteen apple. It was a variety that I really hadn’t paid all that much attention to. I don’t really know why, either. It is a good apple. It has a firm texture when freshly picked and a sweet flavor. Learn about the variety by listening to the podcast episode and also see what I wrote about it on my blog, Eat Like No One Else - What Do Sweet Sixteen Apples Taste Like? Get full access to What Apple to Eat Today at whatappletoeattoday.substack.com/subscribe
- Transcript
October 5 · 13 min
Episode 87 - The Past & Present of Red Flesh Apples
I have always been a sucker for unique colored fruits and vegetables. Of them all, I absolutely love apples that have a red or pink flesh. I have found many heirloom varieties and new modern varieties tha I can’t imagine a fall without them anymore. In this podcast episode you are going to learn about what the past has looked like for these apples and what the future holds. Past podcast episodes to listen about red/pink fleshed apples that I mentioned during this episode: * Pink Pearl * Hidden Rose / Mountain Rose Also make sure to check out my new blog post on Eat Like No One Else - 11 Types of Pink or Red Flesh Apple Varieties Get full access to What Apple to Eat Today at whatappletoeattoday.substack.com/subscribe
- Transcript
September 28 · 12 min
Episode 86 - What’s a Mollie’s Delicious Apple?
In today’s episode I am talking about an apple variety that has been a few years since I had it - the Mollie’s Delicious. Learn some interesting information about this apple variety that is making it harder to find as times goes on. Take a listen to this episode now or check out my blog Eat Like No One Else to learn more about Mollie’s Delicious. This is a blog post that I originally wrote back in 2011, when I was having this apple more frequently. Get full access to What Apple to Eat Today at whatappletoeattoday.substack.com/subscribe
- Transcript
September 21 · 9 min
Episode 85 - What’s a Crimson Crisp Apple?
If there is one apple that I am surprised isn’t available in grocery store across the country, it has to be the Crimson Crisp apple. This very firm, tart, but with some sweetness, pretty red apple variety is the subject of this week’s podcast episode. I have had this apple all across the country and am telling its story. Take a listen and then go for a search for it in your area. I just created a brand new blog post on my blog Eat Like No One Else, that shares What a Crimson Crisp Apple Tastes Like, so make sure to check that out as well. Get full access to What Apple to Eat Today at whatappletoeattoday.substack.com/subscribe
- Transcript
September 14 · 6 min
Episode 84 - What’s a Duchess of Oldenburg Apple?
In this week’s episode, I am talking about a really, really, really (did I say really) old apple variety from Russia. It is called Duchess of Oldenburg. I live in an area with strong Russian influence, so I was able to find this apple variety for the first time this year. While not being an apple that will ever catch on in the mainstream, it is a variety that has been used to create other apples that are popular these days. Get full access to What Apple to Eat Today at whatappletoeattoday.substack.com/subscribe
- Transcript
September 7 · 11 min
Episode 83 - What’s a Devonshire Crimson Queen Apple?
In this week’s podcast episode I am sharing an apple that is so rare in the United States, I couldn’t find anyone else growing it from a Google search, except for the farm I got them at. This early-ripening unique apple variety can have a red flesh if allowed to mature enough later into the season and is known for having a berry-like flavor to it. I used my single serving apple cobbler recipe to test out how it does when baked and I was very pleased with the flavor these apples have when they are baked. It may get soft fast for eating but that doesn’t stop you from using it as an excellent baking apple. So take a listen to today’s episode to learn all I know (which isn’t a lot honestly!) about this rare apple. Get full access to What Apple to Eat Today at whatappletoeattoday.substack.com/subscribe
- Transcript
August 31 · 8 min
Episode 82 - What’s a Spokane Beauty Apple?
Last fall I discovered an heirloom apple variety that is grown in the Pacific Northwest, called the Spokane Beauty. It has been around since the 1800s, originally from an apple seed that actually turned into an apple of note. What stands out about the Spokane Beauty apple is its size. Learn how big they get in this week’s podcast episode. Get full access to What Apple to Eat Today at whatappletoeattoday.substack.com/subscribe
- Transcript
August 27 · 7 min
Episode 81 - What’s a Vista Bella Apple?
When my family was full-time RVing around the country, one of my favorite stops was up in Maine. I was there for the entire month of August and into September. So that means I got to be there for the beginning of the apple season. One of the varieties that I found while I was there was called Vista Bella. It is an early-season apple variety and the subject of this week’s podcast episode, so take a listen above to learn more! Get full access to What Apple to Eat Today at whatappletoeattoday.substack.com/subscribe
- Transcript
August 17 · 9 min
Episode 80 - What's a Prima Apple?
Back in 2021, I had one amazing apple season, traveling from Maine down to Tennessee. I went apple picking several times, starting up in Maine. This is where I picked Prima apples at Hooper’s Orchard. This variety is the subject of today’s podcast episode. On a side note, I had my first apple u-pick experience of the 2026 season, I got a ton of Akane apples, which I talked about on the podcast last season. The apple is also known as Toyko Rose. Get full access to What Apple to Eat Today at whatappletoeattoday.substack.com/subscribe
- Transcript
August 12 · 8 min
Episode 79 - What's a Paula Red Apple?
Over the next 3 podcast episodes I am going to be talking about the history and how it is going today for some early season apple varieties. I will share a special tip in each podcast episode about early season apples. The first episode in this 3-part miniseries is about the Paula Red apple. I have found these apples all over the Midwest and Northeast parts of the country. They are a variety that starts out tart and crisp, but gets sweeter and softer in a short amount of time. Paula Red is one of my favorite options for applesauce at the start of the apple season. You can learn even more about this variety by visiting my blog - What to Do with Paula Red Apples? Get full access to What Apple to Eat Today at whatappletoeattoday.substack.com/subscribe
- Transcript
August 3 · 11 min
Episode 78 - Why So Many Apples are Grown in Washington
The picture above is of the Columbia River in Wentachee, Washington. I took a trip there last month. Even thought it wasn’t time for apples yet, I got to learn first hand why Washington grows so many of our nation’s apples. I share all about that in the first episode of the new season of the podcast - Apples from Yesterday to Tomorrow. * 🍎 I keep a running 🍎✅❌ Buy & Skip Apple Guide, which is a list of apples based on what I’m actually seeing in stores right now—what’s worth the price, and what isn’t, so you don’t waste your money on disappointing apples. Paid subscribers get access to it, updated throughout the year as quality changes. You’ll also get access to my apple e-book and store guides, which break down how I find and evaluate different varieties in real-world grocery shopping. Not ready to commit? You can try it out with a 7-day free trial. Get full access to What Apple to Eat Today at whatappletoeattoday.substack.com/subscribe
- Transcript
June 22 · 11 min
Episode 77 - Why Summer is a Good Time for Apples
If you listened to last week’s podcast episode, you might be very confused by the title of this week’s episode. Last week I was all about sharing Why Summer is a Bad Time for Apples. But this week I am saying it’s a good time for apples. That’s because summer is really the best of times and the worst of times when it comes to apples. It all comes down to the season actually starting in the summer. Next month we will have the earliest apple varieties being harvested (Transparent and Lodi!)! Isn’t that wild! Take a listen to today’s episode and find out why summer is a Jekyll and Hyde season for apples, so you can have the complete picture of buying apples in the summer. Get full access to What Apple to Eat Today at whatappletoeattoday.substack.com/subscribe
- Transcript
June 18 · 10 min
Episode 76 - Why Summer is a Bad Time for Apples
The 2025-2026 season of the podcast is winding down now. Only a few episodes left before the July break. As we are a few days away from the first day of summer, I wanted to do an episode that I am calling “Why Summer is a Bad Time for Apples”. I will share my thoughts on what the cons of summers are for fresh apple eating. You’ll want to take a listen to see what apples I can still recommend this time of year. * Want to know what other fruits besides apples are good this month? Check out my post - 🍓 June Fruit Picks: Apples & Beyond (What’s Worth Buying Now) Get full access to What Apple to Eat Today at whatappletoeattoday.substack.com/subscribe
- Transcript
June 8 · 8 min
Episode 75 - The Apples I’m Planting: Whitney Crab
Finishing up my series on the apple tree I am planting this season and this one my surprise you. It is a crap apple. I have talked about a few different crab apples before here on Substack as well as on my blog. Apples like the Dolgo Crab, Kerr, and Chestnut Crab. I love these small sized apple as you get a nice bite of the skin every single time, plus they are super flavorful. The Kerr and Chestnut are great for out of hand eating because they have a sweet-tart flavor, the Dolgo is a bit tart for my liking but I enjoyed it last year when I made apple jelly with it. 🍎 I keep a running 🍎✅❌ Buy & Skip Apple Guide, which is a list of apples based on what I’m actually seeing in stores right now—what’s worth the price, and what isn’t, so you don’t waste your money on disappointing apples. Paid subscribers get access to it, updated throughout the year as quality changes. You’ll also get access to my apple e-book and store guides, which break down how I find and evaluate different varieties in real-world grocery shopping. Not ready to commit? You can try it out with a 7-day free trial. Get full access to What Apple to Eat Today at whatappletoeattoday.substack.com/subscribe
- Transcript
June 1 · 5 min
Episode 74 - The Apples I’m Planting: Brock
Welcome to the 2nd episode in a short series where I am sharing about the trees I am planting and why I choose them. I think any good home orchard needs to have a powerhouse baking apple. When I had the chance to pick out a Rhode Island Greening apple tree, I couldn’t pass it up. This old heirloom variety is one of my favorite pie apples of all time, plus they aren’t easy to find, so why not grow one right in the backyard! Take a listen to today’s episode to learn more about it as well as my blog post on Rhode Island Greening apples to find out where you can find them when they are in season. 🍎 I keep a running 🍎✅❌ Buy & Skip Apple Guide, which is a list of apples based on what I’m actually seeing in stores right now—what’s worth the price, and what isn’t, so you don’t waste your money on disappointing apples. Paid subscribers get access to it, updated throughout the year as quality changes. You’ll also get access to my apple e-book and store guides, which break down how I find and evaluate different varieties in real-world grocery shopping. Not ready to commit? You can try it out with a 7-day free trial. Get full access to What Apple to Eat Today at whatappletoeattoday.substack.com/subscribe
- Transcript
May 25 · 9 min
Episode 73 - The Apples I’m Planting: Golden Supreme
Welcome to the 2nd episode in a short series where I am sharing about the trees I am planting and why I choose them. I think any good home orchard needs to have a powerhouse baking apple. When I had the chance to pick out a Rhode Island Greening apple tree, I couldn’t pass it up. This old heirloom variety is one of my favorite pie apples of all time, plus they aren’t easy to find, so why not grow one right in the backyard! Take a listen to today’s episode to learn more about it as well as my blog post on Rhode Island Greening apples to find out where you can find them when they are in season. 🍎 I keep a running 🍎✅❌ Buy & Skip Apple Guide, which is a list of apples based on what I’m actually seeing in stores right now—what’s worth the price, and what isn’t, so you don’t waste your money on disappointing apples. Paid subscribers get access to it, updated throughout the year as quality changes. You’ll also get access to my apple e-book and store guides, which break down how I find and evaluate different varieties in real-world grocery shopping. Not ready to commit? You can try it out with a 7-day free trial. Get full access to What Apple to Eat Today at whatappletoeattoday.substack.com/subscribe
- Transcript
May 13 · 7 min
Episode 72 - The Apples I’m Planting: Rhode Island Greening
Welcome to the 2nd episode in a short series where I am sharing about the trees I am planting and why I choose them. I think any good home orchard needs to have a powerhouse baking apple. When I had the chance to pick out a Rhode Island Greening apple tree, I couldn’t pass it up. This old heirloom variety is one of my favorite pie apples of all time, plus they aren’t easy to find, so why not grow one right in the backyard! Take a listen to today’s episode to learn more about it as well as my blog post on Rhode Island Greening apples to find out where you can find them when they are in season. 🍎 I keep a running 🍎✅❌ Buy & Skip Apple Guide, which is a list of apples based on what I’m actually seeing in stores right now—what’s worth the price, and what isn’t, so you don’t waste your money on disappointing apples. Paid subscribers get access to it, updated throughout the year as quality changes. You’ll also get access to my apple e-book and store guides, which break down how I find and evaluate different varieties in real-world grocery shopping. Not ready to commit? You can try it out with a 7-day free trial. Get full access to What Apple to Eat Today at whatappletoeattoday.substack.com/subscribe
- Transcript
April 28 · 9 min
Episode 71 - The Apples I’m Planting: Roxbury Russet
In a couple of weeks I will be picking up some apple trees to plant myself. This will actually be the first time I have ever planted an apple tree myself. I am excited to give it ago. I choose 5 different apple varieties to plant and will be sharing with you why I picked each one and why I think that apple variety is worth your attention if you see them to buy. The first apple is the Roxbury Russet. It was one of my favorite heirloom apples and I am interested to see how the trees do from year to year. Take a listen to today’s episode to learn more about why and also check out what I wrote about Roxbury Russet on my blog. 🍎 I keep a running 🍎✅❌ Buy & Skip Apple Guide, which is a list of apples based on what I’m actually seeing in stores right now—what’s worth the price, and what isn’t, so you don’t waste your money on disappointing apples. Paid subscribers get access to it, updated throughout the year as quality changes. You’ll also get access to my apple e-book and store guides, which break down how I find and evaluate different varieties in real-world grocery shopping. Not ready to commit? You can try it out with a 7-day free trial. Get full access to What Apple to Eat Today at whatappletoeattoday.substack.com/subscribe
- Transcript

Showing 1–20 of 20 episodes