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Gravenstein Apple
United States,
California
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It is believed that the Gravenstein originated in Italy and traveled north to Schleswig-Holstein. There is evidence that the Gravenstein was first planted in Sonoma County in 1811 by Russian trappers who settled the coastal Fort Ross area. One hundred years later, Luther Burbank commented, It has often been said that if the Gravenstein could be had throughout the year, no other apple need be grown. Today it is an endangered farm product primarily found in the western reaches of the county. The orchards are threatened by residential and business development, and as a crop it is outperformed by wine grapes.
This sweet, tart apple is a symbol of Sonoma Countys agricultural diversity and family farming. The fruit ripens in late July, one of the first apples in North America ready for market. Gravensteins are difficult to pick and sell for a number of reasons. They have short stems, and apples on the same tree ripen at different times. They are delicate and perishable.
There are only six commercial growers remaining in Sonoma County and they produce 750,000 boxes (15,000 tons) of Gravenstein a year. A third of the fruit (250,000 boxes) is of premium market quality.
Producers
Lee Walker
Ben Hurst
Stan DeVoto
Joe and Steve Dutton
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