Linda

Why you should be excited

Linda is an early 20th century Canadian apple reputed to have strawberry-like flavour.

 The story of Linda

If you appreciate the current resurgence of interest in heritage apple varieties, then it's people like Nova Scotia's David Maxwell you should be thanking. Maxwell, a retired physician, has a rather large backyard orchard (about 100 trees) in Middle LaHave. He conducts grafting workshops there and he's always got his eye open for interesting apple finds.

Which is how we discovered him, as he wrote us asking about a couple of our varieties and offered to share a few of his.

That brings us to Linda, a Canadian variety that David added to his orchard simply because it was his wife's namesake. But then he tasted it and was bowled over by the quality.

When he offered it t us, we weren't going to say 'no.'

Linda Facts

Its origins

Bred in Ottawa, Canada; 1925 introduction.

Flavour, aroma, texture

Sweet, crisp and juicy, with strawberry-like flavour.

Appearance

A large apple with a dark red flush.

When they’re available

Mid-season (usually in September).

Quality for fresh eating

Good.

Quality for cooking

Mainly used for fresh eating.

Quality for cider

Not particularly known for use in cider.

Keeping ability

So-so (1 or 2 months when kept refrigerated).