Exploits of a Vegan Wannabe

A few weeks ago I overheard two women talking about an apple I have never heard of, the Honey Crisp. The same day, I heard a radio commercial for the Honey Crisp. Really?  Being from Michigan, we know apples.  Apples are one of the things we grow in abundance. They were discussing this varietal like it was the key to all mankind. I listened with curiosity because  I had never tasted such an apple.  Apples are okay. They are decent when chopped in a salad with pecans and they are best smothered in caramel and eaten on a stick.

In the name of research and the desire to share useful edible information, I purchased and tasted my first Honey Crisp apple. The flavor of it has lingered on my tongue and has haunted me ever since.  They are like  crack cocaine.   If you have had one…you know what I am talking about. They are perfectly crunchy and embarrassingly juicy. They are sweet like honey and as crisp as a bright green apple. The flesh is gorgeous and the insides are as white as snow. Am I still talking about an apple?

Photo By: S. Duquet

So Sandy and I were at the grocery store late last night after a long line of errands. We had already been to the farmers market looking for Honey Crisp and they were all gone. Out of sheer terror of going without we stopped at one more store. There they were…. a juicy sweet beacon of hope….the Honey Crisp. I lovingly picked out three of the largest apples I have ever seen. They were the size of cantaloupes and sold by the pound.  As the cashier rang up our goods, Sandy and I simultaneously realized that we have most likely spent more than we have.  Sandy innocently says, “We may have to put the apples back.” I whipped around and looked at her like she suggested we put Chloe in the garbage disposal. These apples have mesmerized me and are manipulating my common sense.  Thankfully, we had enough and no one was harmed.

Honey Crisp is the apple that Sandy used in the Sweet Potato Tofu hash recipe from 10/4.  Now you know why she consumed half of it instead of putting the whole apple into the recipe.  Apple crack strikes again.

Honeycrisp was produced from a 1960 cross of Macoun and Honeygold, as part of the University of Minnesota apple breeding program to develop winter hardy cultivars with high fruit quality.  Because  I have no idea if they are grown in your area, I have included two links to sellers of these prized apples. I have not ordered from either grower so if you do, please let us know how your experience was. I have also included a link to a nursery that sells Honey Crisp trees so you can grow your own. Can you imagine?  I would have to quit my job to tend to the tree and consume apples all day.

So this begs the question:  If the Honey Crisp is a hybrid of two different varietals, does that mean it is GMO?  If yes, is it bad or irresponsible for us to consume?  Do any of you have insight to offer?  Please share.

In the meantime, here the links to the suppliers and the nursery I mentioned above.

Wood Orchard

Fresh Abundance

Grow your own Honey Crisp  Nature Hills Nursery

Have a delicious day.

*Additional Honey Crisp info from the Wood Orchard site.

Tags: compassionate eating, dairy free, GMO discussion, GMO question, going veg, honey crisp apples, new apple variety, organic Honey Crisp apples, trying Honey Crisp apples, trying vegan, trying vegetarian, vegan, vegan challenge, vegan experience, vegan wannabe