Apples, Paula Red (Half Bushel)

The applesauce apple.

Paula Reds come off the trees at Bay Growers in Thornbury in late August and they are gone almost as fast. You will not find them in a grocery store, because they do not ship and they do not sit. Sharp, tart, and properly crisp in the first few days. If you like an apple that bites back, this is your week.

Then they soften. That is not a flaw, it is the whole point. A Paula Red breaks down into sauce faster than any other apple in the season, and it does it without much sugar because the flavour is already there. Eat a few fresh this week. Cook the rest.

One thing to be clear about. These are not for pies. They collapse in the oven and leave you with a gap under the crust. If baking is what you are after, the Rave bushel is the one you want.

20 pounds, number one grade. About 8 quarts of sauce, or a freezer shelf of apple butter.

We only sell these by the half. A full bushel is more Paula Red than any kitchen gets through before they turn, and we would rather sell you the right amount than the bigger number.

Preorder by 6 PM Saturday. Comes with your box or to your hub, no extra charge.