Hubbardston Nonsuch

Why you should be excited

Hubbardston Nonsuch is a rough and ready old apple variety with a pleasant, light taste.

The story of Hubbardston Nonsuch

As you might guess from its quaint name, this is an old apple variety: first recorded in 1832 in Massachusetts and named for the town where it was discovered.

It’s also an apple that had some significant prominence back in the day, as growers in its home state and in New York grew plenty of Hubbardston Nonsuch to be sold each autumn in the big cities of the U.S. northeast.

Today -– like other heritage varieties -– it’s more of a novelty item than a big seller. But it’s also the sort of great old apple that connects you with its history even when you look at it (let alone taste its mild, subtle flavours), which helps connect us with our own history.

And that’s most certainly a good thing.

Hubbardston Nonsuch Facts

Its origins

Discovered in Hubbardston, Massachusetts, USA, sometime before 1932.

Flavour, aroma, texture

Hard, crisp and juicy, with fine-grained flesh and a light flavour that sweetens with increasing ripeness.

Appearance

A large, rugged-looking apple with red on gold skin colouring.

When they’re available

Late season (usually in mid-October).

Quality for fresh eating

Good.

Quality for cooking

Mainly used for fresh eating.

Quality for cider

The complexity of Hubbardston Nonsuch apple juice makes it an interesting addition to a cider blend.

Keeping ability

Good (about 3 months when kept refrigerated).