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A Little Sweet, a Little Tart, a Long History
Cox's Orange Pippin is an artisan specialty apple variety that originated in England roughly 200 years ago. I believe the first time I tasted one was in 2013 during my sole visit (so far) to the amazing Dane County Farmers Market, which rings the state Capitol in Madison, Wisconsin.
I've been a big fan of these sweet-tart, crisp apples ever since. Nichols Farm and Orchard of Marengo, Illinois has the broadest selection of apple varieties available commercially in the Chicago region, and not surprisingly, they are among a very few farmers market vendors where I can find Cox's Orange Pippins.
I wasn't even intending to buy apples this past Saturday (August 17) when I visited the Nichols stand at Chicago's Green City Market. But, a little earlier than usual, their harvest of a number of fall apple varieties is under way. And when I noticed they had Cox's Orange Pippins, I dived in and picked out four. I'll be back for more.
Though rarely seen in the United States, Cox's Orange Pippins are such a big deal in Britain that there is actually an orangepippin.com website. Here's their description of what they clearly view as apple royalty.
This is the classic English apple, often regarded as the finest of all dessert apples, and the inspiration for this website. It arose in England in the 19th century as a chance seedling, and has inspired apple lovers ever since. It remains unsurpassed for its richness and complexity of flavour.
Two characteristics tend to be apparent in its offspring to a greater or lesser extent. Firstly the relatively pronounced and complex "aromatic" flavour which elevates it above most other varieties. Secondly, the striking and attractive orange-red colouring.
It is the range and complexity of flavours which makes Cox's Orange Pippin so appealing to enthusiasts of the "English" style of apple. This is a variety for the connoisseur, who can delight in the appreciation of the remarkable range of subtle flavours - pear, melon, freshly-squeezed Florida orange juice, and mango are all evident in a good example. Almost all other apples taste one-dimensional alongside a good Cox's Orange Pippin.
Clearly a lot going on with this apple. Here is how the Specialty Produce site of San Diego describes what you do with it.
Cox’s Orange Pippin apples have a balanced, sweet-tart flavor well suited for fresh preparations. The apple is often consumed straight, out of hand, and is eaten as a snack or healthy dessert to savor the variety’s unusual flavor. Cox’s Orange Pippin apples can also be chopped and tossed into salads and slaws, sliced and dipped into caramel, peanut butter, or chocolate, blended into smoothies, or served with soft cheeses on appetizer platters. In addition to fresh preparations, the apples can also be pressed into juices and ciders, dried into apple rings and strips, or canned for extended use. While more uncommon, Cox’s Orange Pippin apples can be incorporated into baked goods and hold their shape well when heated. The apples are traditionally used in pies, tarts, crumbles, and crisps, or they are simmered into jams, jellies, chutney, and sauces for roasted meats.
Its health benefits spelled out by Specialty Produce are similar to those of many other apple varieties.
Cox’s Orange Pippin apples are a source of fiber to regulate the digestive tract and potassium to balance fluid levels within the body. The apples also provide vitamin C to strengthen the immune system, vitamin B6 to maintain amino acid levels within the bloodstream, quercetin to contribute anti-inflammatory and antioxidant-like properties to protect the cells against free radical damage, and other amounts of vitamin K, copper, boron, calcium, and manganese.
Cox's Orange Pippin is, of course, one of many artisan varieties that are available in late summer and fall, albeit for short periods of time. If you're fortunate to shop at a farmers market served by Nichols Farm and Orchard, you can advance your apple knowledge right there.
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