Baldwin

Baldwin was reported to be growing on Lopez, Orcas, San Juan, Shaw , and Stuart by 1906, and was included in S.R.S. Gray's list of fruit varieties that do well on Orcas (1891). We have found it still growing in numerous orchards on Orcas, and expect it also persist on the other islands. Baldwin is a late ripening, long keeping heritage apple that originated as a seedling in Wilmington, Massachusetts around 1740. Once the most popular apple variety in New England, it is now rare on the east coast; a 1934 storm killed most of the New England Baldwin trees and they were replaced with more modern (at that time) varieties. It was popular in commercial orchards in the islands because it ships very well, retaining both its appearance and quality. Considered an excellent cider and pie apple, Baldwin also has a crisp texture (crisper than most heritage apples) which makes it attractive for fresh eating. Baldwin in a triploid variety (and does not make viable pollen). You can visit Baldwin trees, and purchase Baldwin apples and sweet cider made with Baldwin Apples at Lum Farm on the Coffelt Preserve, Orcas Island. 

Watercolors of Baldwin apples at the USDA Pomological Watercolor Collection.