Apple review: Cox's Orange Pippin

[platypus]

You read that right. I found Cox's Orange Pippin at Whole Foods.

It is the apple holy grail, legendary and elusive, an apple on my bucket list, an apple I only hoped I might someday encounter, given where I live.

How can it possibly live up to that? Maybe it won't. Maybe these were picked too early, or not handled well. Maybe I lack the refined palate to truly appreciate it. Maybe I'm just not worthy. I'm almost worried that I encountered it too early to properly contextualize it, but then, if I had to wait years I'd probably be imagining it on an even higher pedestal.

Adam's review is rhapsodic; it's one of only four apples he considered worthy of three stars.

This is a wonderfully well-balanced apple with a complex bouquet of tastes: cider, a hint of cinnamon and hazelnut, and strong orange and mango notes.

The even sweet-tart balance is the perfect backdrop against which these flavors gracefully unfold. ... The general effect is marvelously complex, rich, and satisfying on more than one level.

Small wonder that to many connoisseurs Cox's is the best desert apple. Yorkshire-based Orange Pippin, its very name a tribute to this variety, praises Cox's and concludes

"Flavour is a very personal thing but Cox's Orange Pippin is "essential reading" for anyone interested in apples. In terms of flavour it is unquestionably the benchmark against which all others are measured..."

I'm either going to have an applegasm, or I'm going to be deeply disappointed (probably in myself). If I don't love it, does this call my whole apple sampling project into question? What would be the point be, if I don't like the best?

No pressure, Cox.



Verdict: Oh my god this is actually an excellent apple. Wonderfully balanced sweetness and tartness; strong, complex flavors. It's a lively apple. I can't talk about this stuff like Adam does, but I can safely say this is the best apple I have ever tried.

Buy again? You think I'm likely to have the opportunity?

Whole Foods had a whole table section full of them last night, though. I HAVE TO GO BACK.

Comments

[dine]

you found the Grail! you'd best go back and empty that table (or at least haul off as many as you can) and then enjoy the heck out of them

[platypus]

I got a dozen more. I don't know if I can get sick of them, but I'm determined to find out.

[benicek]

My Czech wife always maintained that Spartans were the best but when she came to live in England she declared to me one day "you know, I really like Cox". It caused much hilarity when I explained how that could be misunderstood out of context.