New Orleans, LA –
Hi, this is Richard McCarthy with the WWNO Farmers Market Minute Have you ever tasted an Arkansas black apple? Known for its bright yellow flesh and crisp texture, the Arkansas black is a variety of a dark green almost black winesap apples. Experts point to territory Northwest of Bentonville, Arkansas - as the first place these apples appeared (sometime in 1840s) - long before WalMart made the region famous. As you may know, we're not exactly apple country here in and around New Orleans. It's too hot and humid; however, Jesse Nagle and his cousin Ray Stark cultivate these and other varieties in Pontotoc, Mississippi. Jesse drives to New Orleans for sale at farmers markets and to restaurants. The chefs have come to covet the subtle, almond undertones in the taste of the apple's flesh. While we're waiting for citrus to begin, make the most of local apples. For the WWNO farmers market minute, this is Richard McCarthy.