Assorted heritage apple varieties on display at Jeff Hollow Orchard

The Collection

The Apple Collection

From ancient English orchards to colonial America — every variety carries a story worth preserving.

Most people have eaten fewer than five apple varieties in their entire lives. There are thousands. Jeff Hollow Orchard is building a collection of heritage, modern, and cider varieties — each one chosen for its history, flavor, or significance to Michigan growing.

Note: An Acquired badge means the tree has been obtained. It does not automatically mean the tree is planted, established, or producing fruit. Varieties without a badge are planned or under research.

A Living Legend

Johnny Appleseed & the Heritage of American Orchards

John Chapman — better known as Johnny Appleseed — is one of the most significant figures in American apple history. Between roughly 1797 and his death in 1845, he established nurseries across Pennsylvania, Ohio, Indiana, and Illinois, planting seedling apple trees that would feed frontier settlers and form the foundation of American cider culture.

Chapman's apples were not the sweet eating apples we know today. They were seedling trees — each one genetically unique — and most of the fruit was destined for hard cider, the dominant beverage of early American frontier life. The varieties he planted were diverse, unpredictable, and largely lost to history.

A small number of trees believed to be connected to Chapman's original nurseries still survive. The Johnny Appleseed Foundation and various heritage orchardists have worked to identify, document, and propagate grafted material from these trees — creating a living link to one of America's most important agricultural figures.

Jeff Hollow Orchard is interested in eventually acquiring authenticated grafted stock associated with the Johnny Appleseed Foundation's preservation efforts. This has not yet been acquired. Any future addition would be clearly documented.

Future acquisition — not yet obtained

In Memory of Sharon

The Sharon Legacy Tree

One of the most meaningful projects planned for Jeff Hollow Orchard is a multi-grafted heritage apple tree in memory of my mother, Sharon.

The concept is a single rootstock carrying several compatible heritage varieties on different branches — one tree, many stories. Ashmead's Kernel is one variety under consideration: one of the oldest surviving English apples, with a flavor that improves dramatically with storage and a documented history going back to 1700.

A multi-grafted tree of this kind takes years to develop properly. The rootstock must be established, the grafts must take, and the tree must be trained carefully over multiple seasons. It is a long-term project — not a quick planting.

I want it to be something that keeps growing long after I'm gone. That's the point.

Planned — not yet planted
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The Collection

35 Varieties — Heritage, Modern & Cider

Pink Lady

Acquired
ModernFresh Eating

Australia, 1970s

Developed in Western Australia by John Cripps, Pink Lady (Cripps Pink) was released commercially in the 1980s and became one of the most recognizable apples in the world. Its distinctive pink-red blush and long shelf life made it a commercial success.

Flavor

Sweet-tart balance with a fine-grained, dense flesh. Crisp and refreshing with a hint of citrus.

Uses

Excellent fresh eating. Holds up well in salads. Good for baking when you want the apple to retain its shape.

Michigan Growing

Requires a long growing season — can be challenging in northern Michigan but performs well in the southwestern fruit belt.

Harvest: Late October – November

Honeycrisp

Acquired
ModernFresh EatingMichigan History

Minnesota, 1991

Developed at the University of Minnesota and released in 1991, Honeycrisp became one of the most commercially successful apple introductions in American history. Its explosive crunch and balanced sweetness transformed the apple market.

Flavor

Exceptionally crisp with a juicy, almost effervescent texture. Sweet with mild tartness and a clean finish.

Uses

Best fresh. Also good for salads and light baking. Not ideal for applesauce — the texture breaks down.

Michigan Growing

Performs very well in Michigan. The state is one of the top Honeycrisp-producing regions in the country.

Harvest: September – October

Granny Smith

Acquired
ModernFresh Eating

Australia, 1868

Discovered by Maria Ann Smith in New South Wales around 1868, reportedly as a chance seedling from French crab apples. It became the world's most recognized green apple and a baking staple.

Flavor

Sharply tart with very little sweetness. Firm, dense, and juicy. The tartness mellows slightly with storage.

Uses

Outstanding for baking — holds its shape and provides tartness that balances sweet fillings. Good fresh for those who prefer tart apples. Excellent in cider blends.

Michigan Growing

Requires a long season. Best in southwestern Michigan.

Harvest: October – November

Red Delicious

Acquired
ModernFresh EatingMichigan History

Iowa, 1870s

Discovered in Iowa in the 1870s and originally called the Hawkeye, Red Delicious was once considered the finest eating apple in America. Decades of commercial selection for appearance over flavor diminished its reputation, but older strains retain genuine quality.

Flavor

Mild, sweet, and low in acid. The commercial strains are often mealy; older strains have better texture and more flavor.

Uses

Fresh eating. Not recommended for baking or cooking — the flavor disappears with heat.

Michigan Growing

Widely grown in Michigan historically. Still common in older orchards.

Harvest: September – October

Jonagold

Acquired
ModernFresh EatingMichigan History

New York, 1953

A cross between Jonathan and Golden Delicious, developed at Cornell University and released in 1968. Jonagold became one of the most popular apples in Europe and remains a Michigan orchard staple.

Flavor

Rich, sweet-tart balance with honey notes. Juicy and aromatic. One of the better dual-purpose modern varieties.

Uses

Excellent fresh. Outstanding for baking and applesauce. Good cider component.

Michigan Growing

One of Michigan's most commercially important varieties. Thrives in the Great Lakes climate.

Harvest: Late September – October

Fuji

ModernFresh Eating

Japan, 1962

Developed in Japan from Red Delicious and Ralls Janet, Fuji became one of the world's most popular apples after its commercial release in 1962. A Fuji tree was previously part of the Jeff Hollow collection but did not survive.

Flavor

Very sweet with low acidity. Dense, crisp flesh with a long shelf life. Mild and approachable.

Uses

Best fresh. Good for salads. Not ideal for baking due to low acidity.

Michigan Growing

Performs reasonably well in Michigan. Requires a long growing season.

Harvest: October – November

McIntosh

HeritageMichigan HistoryFresh Eating

Ontario, Canada, 1811

Discovered by John McIntosh on his Ontario farm around 1811, McIntosh became the dominant apple of northeastern North America for over a century. It is the parent of many modern varieties including Cortland, Empire, and Spartan.

Flavor

Tender, juicy flesh with a wine-like tartness and distinctive spicy aroma. Soft texture that breaks down quickly.

Uses

Good fresh when very fresh. Classic applesauce apple — the flesh breaks down beautifully. Not ideal for baking whole.

Michigan Growing

Historically important in Michigan. Still grown commercially in the northern part of the state.

Harvest: September

Cox's Orange Pippin

HeritageRare VarietiesFresh Eating

England, c.1825

Raised by Richard Cox in Buckinghamshire around 1825, Cox's Orange Pippin became the most celebrated English dessert apple of the 19th and 20th centuries. It remains the benchmark for flavor complexity in English orcharding.

Flavor

Extraordinarily complex — nutty, spicy, with hints of pear, mango, and anise. Rich and aromatic. The flavor develops with storage.

Uses

Primarily fresh eating. Too complex and valuable to cook. Excellent in small-batch cider.

Michigan Growing

Challenging in Michigan — prefers the cooler, maritime climate of England. Worth attempting in sheltered locations.

Harvest: September – October

Northern Spy

HeritageMichigan HistoryRare Varieties

New York, c.1800

Originating in East Bloomfield, New York around 1800, Northern Spy was one of the most important commercial apples of 19th-century America. It was a Michigan orchard staple for generations and remains beloved by those who know it.

Flavor

Tart, rich, and complex with a firm, coarse-grained flesh. Develops excellent flavor in storage. One of the finest all-purpose heritage varieties.

Uses

Outstanding for pies and baking — the gold standard for apple pie in many traditions. Good fresh. Excellent cider component.

Michigan Growing

Historically one of Michigan's most important varieties. Slow to bear fruit (7–10 years) but long-lived and productive.

Harvest: October – November

Esopus Spitzenburg

HeritageRare VarietiesFresh Eating

New York, c.1700s

Originating in Esopus, New York in the late 1700s, Esopus Spitzenburg was reportedly Thomas Jefferson's favorite apple. He grew it extensively at Monticello. It was widely grown in the 19th century but is now rare.

Flavor

Spicy, rich, and aromatic with a firm, fine-grained flesh. Complex flavor that improves with storage. One of the finest American heritage varieties.

Uses

Best fresh. Good for baking. Excellent cider component.

Michigan Growing

Can be grown in Michigan but is susceptible to fire blight. Worth the effort for the flavor.

Harvest: October

Roxbury Russet

HeritageCiderRare Varieties

Massachusetts, c.1600s

Believed to be the oldest apple variety of American origin, dating to Roxbury, Massachusetts in the early 1600s. It was a cornerstone of New England cider production for centuries and is still grown by heritage orchardists.

Flavor

Nutty, tart, and complex with a dry, dense flesh. The flavor improves dramatically with storage — often best after Christmas.

Uses

Traditional cider apple — one of the best American varieties for hard cider. Good for long-term storage. Interesting fresh for those who appreciate tart, complex flavors.

Michigan Growing

Hardy and well-suited to Michigan. One of the more reliable heritage varieties for northern growing.

Harvest: October – November

Baldwin

HeritageMichigan History

Massachusetts, c.1740

Originating in Wilmington, Massachusetts around 1740, Baldwin was the dominant commercial apple of New England and the Great Lakes region for over a century. A catastrophic freeze in 1934 wiped out most Baldwin orchards, and it never fully recovered commercially.

Flavor

Rich, sweet-tart balance with a firm, coarse flesh. Aromatic and full-flavored. Improves with storage.

Uses

Excellent all-purpose apple. Good fresh, outstanding for cider, and very good for baking.

Michigan Growing

Historically important in Michigan. Hardy and productive when established.

Harvest: October – November

Newtown Pippin

HeritageCiderRare Varieties

New York, c.1700

One of the oldest American apple varieties, originating in Newtown (now Elmhurst), New York around 1700. It was the first American apple exported to England and was favored by George Washington, Benjamin Franklin, and Thomas Jefferson.

Flavor

Tart, complex, and aromatic with a firm, dense flesh. The flavor develops with storage — often best in winter. Hints of anise and citrus.

Uses

Excellent cider apple — one of the finest American varieties for hard cider. Good for baking. Interesting fresh for those who appreciate tart, complex flavors.

Michigan Growing

Can be grown in Michigan. Prefers well-drained soils.

Harvest: October – November

Rhode Island Greening

HeritageRare Varieties

Rhode Island, c.1650

One of the oldest American apple varieties, originating in Rhode Island around 1650. It was the most important commercial apple in New England for over two centuries and remains a classic pie apple.

Flavor

Sharply tart with a rich, complex flavor. Firm, coarse flesh. The tartness mellows slightly with storage.

Uses

The classic New England pie apple. Outstanding for baking and cooking. Good cider component.

Michigan Growing

Hardy and well-suited to Michigan's climate.

Harvest: September – October

Harrison

HeritageCiderRare Varieties

New Jersey, c.1817

Once considered the finest American cider apple, Harrison originated in Newark, New Jersey around 1817. It was nearly extinct by the mid-20th century but has been revived through the efforts of heritage orchardists and the American cider renaissance.

Flavor

High sugar, high tannin, complex and full-bodied. Not pleasant fresh — designed entirely for cider production.

Uses

One of the finest American cider apples. Not suitable for fresh eating or cooking.

Michigan Growing

Can be grown in Michigan. Requires good drainage.

Harvest: October – November

Golden Russet

HeritageCider

New York or England, c.1800

A classic American russet apple with uncertain origins — possibly New York, possibly English. It was widely grown in the 19th century for both fresh eating and cider production.

Flavor

Sweet, nutty, and rich with a firm, dense flesh. The russet skin gives it a distinctive appearance. Excellent flavor that improves with storage.

Uses

Good fresh. Outstanding cider apple — high sugar content makes excellent fermented cider. Good for long-term storage.

Michigan Growing

Hardy and well-suited to Michigan. One of the more reliable heritage varieties.

Harvest: October – November

Ashmead's Kernel

HeritageCiderRare VarietiesFresh Eating

England, c.1700

Raised by Dr. William Ashmead in Gloucester, England around 1700, Ashmead's Kernel is considered one of the finest dessert apples ever developed. It is a planned component of the Sharon Legacy Tree at Jeff Hollow Orchard.

Flavor

Extraordinarily complex — nutty, rich, and aromatic with a sharp initial tartness that mellows to a sweet, honeyed finish. The flavor improves dramatically with storage.

Uses

Best fresh after storage. Excellent small-batch cider. One of the most rewarding heritage varieties to grow.

Michigan Growing

Can be grown in Michigan. Somewhat susceptible to scab but worth the effort.

Harvest: October – November

Winesap

HeritageMichigan HistoryCider

New Jersey, c.1800

One of the most important American heritage apples, Winesap was widely grown across the eastern United States in the 19th and early 20th centuries. It was a Michigan orchard staple and remains popular with heritage orchardists.

Flavor

Spicy, tart, and wine-like with a firm, dense flesh. Strong, distinctive flavor that holds up well in cooking and cider.

Uses

Excellent all-purpose apple. Outstanding for cider. Good for baking and cooking. Keeps well in storage.

Michigan Growing

Historically important in Michigan. Hardy and productive.

Harvest: October – November

Arkansas Black

HeritageRare Varieties

Arkansas, c.1870

Originating in Benton County, Arkansas around 1870, Arkansas Black is one of the most visually striking heritage apples — nearly black-red when fully ripe. It was widely grown in the Ozarks and remains a favorite of heritage orchardists.

Flavor

Very firm, dense, and tart when fresh. The flavor improves dramatically with storage — often best after two to three months. Develops a spicy, complex character.

Uses

Best after extended storage. Good for baking. Interesting cider component.

Michigan Growing

Can be grown in Michigan. Requires good drainage and a warm site.

Harvest: October – November

Grimes Golden

HeritageRare Varieties

West Virginia, c.1800

Originating in Brooke County, West Virginia around 1800, Grimes Golden is believed to be one of the parents of Golden Delicious. It was widely grown in the 19th century and is now rare.

Flavor

Sweet, rich, and aromatic with a tender, juicy flesh. Distinctive spicy-sweet flavor. One of the finer American heritage varieties.

Uses

Good fresh. Excellent for cider. Good for baking.

Michigan Growing

Can be grown in Michigan. Somewhat susceptible to fire blight.

Harvest: September – October

Snow / Fameuse

HeritageMichigan HistoryRare Varieties

Quebec, Canada, c.1600s

One of the oldest apple varieties in North America, Snow (also called Fameuse) was brought to Quebec by French settlers in the 1600s. It was widely grown in Michigan and the Great Lakes region and is believed to be an ancestor of McIntosh.

Flavor

Tender, snow-white flesh with a distinctive strawberry-like aroma and flavor. Sweet and mild with low acidity.

Uses

Best fresh. The delicate flavor does not survive cooking well. A beautiful and unusual variety.

Michigan Growing

Historically important in Michigan. Hardy and well-suited to the northern part of the state.

Harvest: September

Detroit Red

HeritageMichigan HistoryRare Varieties

Michigan, c.1800s

A Michigan heritage variety with deep roots in the Great Lakes region. Detroit Red was widely grown in Michigan orchards in the 19th and early 20th centuries and is now quite rare.

Flavor

Tart and firm with a good balance of sugar and acid. Solid all-purpose flavor.

Uses

Good all-purpose apple. Suitable for fresh eating, cooking, and cider.

Michigan Growing

A true Michigan variety, well-adapted to the state's climate.

Harvest: September – October

Wagener

HeritageMichigan History

New York, c.1791

Originating in Penn Yan, New York around 1791, Wagener was widely grown in Michigan and the Great Lakes region in the 19th century. It was valued for its late harvest and good keeping qualities.

Flavor

Mild, sweet, and slightly tart with a firm, fine-grained flesh. Pleasant but not complex.

Uses

Good fresh. Suitable for cooking and baking. Keeps well.

Michigan Growing

Historically grown in Michigan. Hardy and productive.

Harvest: October – November

Wealthy

HeritageMichigan History

Minnesota, 1860

Developed by Peter Gideon in Excelsior, Minnesota and introduced in 1860, Wealthy was one of the most important apples for cold-climate growing in the 19th century. It was widely grown in Michigan and remains a heritage orchard staple.

Flavor

Tart, juicy, and aromatic with a tender flesh. Good flavor that is best when very fresh.

Uses

Good fresh. Excellent for cooking and baking. Good cider component.

Michigan Growing

One of the hardiest heritage varieties for Michigan. Excellent choice for northern growing.

Harvest: August – September

Wolf River

HeritageMichigan HistoryRare Varieties

Wisconsin, c.1875

Discovered along the Wolf River in Wisconsin around 1875, Wolf River is one of the largest apple varieties — individual fruits can weigh over a pound. It was widely grown in the upper Midwest for its impressive size.

Flavor

Mild, sweet, and slightly tart. The flesh is coarse and tender. Flavor is pleasant but not complex.

Uses

Primarily a cooking and baking apple — the large size makes it ideal for stuffed baked apples. Not particularly notable fresh.

Michigan Growing

Hardy and well-suited to Michigan. One of the more cold-hardy heritage varieties.

Harvest: September – October

Duchess of Oldenburg

HeritageMichigan History

Russia, c.1700s

Originating in Russia and introduced to England in the early 1800s, Duchess of Oldenburg became one of the most important early-season apples in the northern United States and Canada. It was widely grown in Michigan.

Flavor

Tart, juicy, and aromatic with a tender flesh. Best when very fresh — the flavor deteriorates quickly after harvest.

Uses

Good fresh when very fresh. Excellent for cooking and baking. Good cider component.

Michigan Growing

One of the hardiest varieties for Michigan. Excellent for northern growing. One of the earliest-ripening heritage varieties.

Harvest: August

Tolman Sweet

HeritageMichigan HistoryRare Varieties

Massachusetts, c.1700s

One of the oldest American sweet apple varieties, Tolman Sweet was widely grown in New England and the Great Lakes region in the 18th and 19th centuries. It was valued for its sweetness and keeping qualities.

Flavor

Very sweet with almost no acidity. Firm, dense flesh with a mild, pleasant flavor. One of the sweetest heritage varieties.

Uses

Good fresh for those who prefer sweet apples. Good for baking sweet dishes. Long keeper.

Michigan Growing

Historically grown in Michigan. Hardy and productive.

Harvest: October

Jonathan

HeritageMichigan HistoryFresh Eating

New York, c.1826

Originating in Woodstock, New York around 1826, Jonathan became one of the most important commercial apples in the Midwest and Great Lakes region. It was a Michigan orchard staple for generations.

Flavor

Tart, spicy, and aromatic with a tender, juicy flesh. One of the more flavorful commercial heritage varieties.

Uses

Good fresh. Excellent for cooking and baking. Good cider component. Keeps reasonably well.

Michigan Growing

One of Michigan's historically most important varieties. Still grown commercially in the state.

Harvest: September – October

Kingston Black

HeritageCiderRare Varieties

Somerset, England, c.1800

Originating in Somerset, England around 1800, Kingston Black is widely considered the finest single-variety cider apple in existence. It produces a complex, full-bodied cider without blending — a rare quality among cider apples.

Flavor

High tannin, high acid, and complex. Not pleasant fresh — the flavor is designed for fermentation. Produces extraordinary single-variety cider.

Uses

The finest single-variety cider apple. Not suitable for fresh eating or cooking.

Michigan Growing

Can be grown in Michigan with care. Somewhat susceptible to disease but worth the effort.

Harvest: October

Dabinett

HeritageCider

Somerset, England, c.1900

A traditional Somerset bittersweet cider apple, Dabinett is one of the most widely grown cider varieties in England. It produces a smooth, mellow cider and is an excellent blending apple.

Flavor

Bittersweet — moderate tannin, low acid, and a pleasant, mellow flavor. Good blending apple.

Uses

Traditional cider apple. Not suitable for fresh eating.

Michigan Growing

Can be grown in Michigan. Hardy and productive.

Harvest: October – November

Yarlington Mill

HeritageCider

Somerset, England, c.1900

A traditional Somerset bittersweet cider apple discovered growing from a wall at Yarlington Mill. It is one of the most widely grown traditional cider varieties in England.

Flavor

Bittersweet — good tannin and a pleasant, mellow flavor. One of the most reliable traditional cider apples.

Uses

Traditional cider apple. Not suitable for fresh eating.

Michigan Growing

Can be grown in Michigan.

Harvest: October – November

Foxwhelp

HeritageCiderRare Varieties

Herefordshire, England, c.1600s

One of the oldest surviving English cider varieties, Foxwhelp has been documented since the 17th century. It is a bittersharp variety prized for its high acidity and distinctive flavor.

Flavor

Bittersharp — high acid, moderate tannin, bright and lively. Produces a sharp, refreshing cider.

Uses

Traditional cider apple. Not suitable for fresh eating.

Michigan Growing

Can be grown in Michigan.

Harvest: October

Michelin

HeritageCider

France / Herefordshire, c.1800s

A French-origin bittersweet cider apple that became widely grown in Herefordshire, England. Michelin is valued for its reliable cropping and good cider character.

Flavor

Bittersweet — moderate tannin and acid with a pleasant, mild flavor. Reliable blending apple.

Uses

Traditional cider apple. Not suitable for fresh eating.

Michigan Growing

Can be grown in Michigan. Hardy and productive.

Harvest: October – November

Brown Snout

HeritageCiderRare Varieties

Herefordshire, England, c.1800s

A traditional Herefordshire bittersweet cider apple, Brown Snout is valued for its rich, full-flavored cider character. It is now relatively rare outside specialist heritage orchards.

Flavor

Bittersweet — rich, full-flavored, and complex. One of the more characterful traditional cider apples.

Uses

Traditional cider apple. Not suitable for fresh eating.

Michigan Growing

Can be grown in Michigan.

Harvest: October – November

Harry Masters' Jersey

HeritageCider

Somerset, England, c.1800s

One of the most widely grown traditional Somerset cider apples, Harry Masters' Jersey is a reliable bittersweet variety that produces a rich, full-bodied cider.

Flavor

Bittersweet — rich, full-bodied, and reliable. One of the workhorses of traditional Somerset cider production.

Uses

Traditional cider apple. Not suitable for fresh eating.

Michigan Growing

Can be grown in Michigan. Hardy and productive.

Harvest: October – November