Gravenstein

Gravenstein apples have been reported as growing on Orcas, San Juan, and Stuart Islands as early as 1891. In 1905 a unique red Gravenstein sport was discovered in Olga and made commercially available throughout the islands (and beyond). We have found living Gravenstein trees, including Olga Red Gravensteins, in ancient orchards on Lopez, Orcas, and San Juan (and scions are available through our annual scion exchange and grafting workshops on Lopez, Orcas, and San Juan),

Gravenstein is a European variety. It is large, striped, and generally someone irregular in shape. It has a distinct sweet-tart flavor that does not last in storage. It is a multi-purpose variety, good for fresh eating, baking, and cider. Gravenstein is a triploid variety, and does not produce viable pollen.

You can view watercolors of Gravenstein in the USDA Pomological Watercolor Collection.