December 12: Hubbardston Nonesuch

Hubbardston, MA late 1700’s/early 1800’s
aka Nonsuch, Hubbardston, American Blush, American Nonpareil, Van Fleet, Orleans, Farmer’s Profit

2025 is the first year I’ve had enough of a crop of Hubbardston Nonesuch’s to sell and in researching this apple, I found a variety that seems almost chameleon-like: it looks notably different depending on where it’s grown. And look at that litany of “also known as” names – my new theory is that the more pseudonyms, the more desirable the apple was back in the day.

What is agreed upon, though, is that Hubbardston Nonesuch is a high-quality apple, reputed to develop to its best in wet (this year for sure), cold (well, it is Minnesota), loamy soil (Lester loam, right here!) (from Dan Bussey in his Illustrate History of Apples).

It is known for firm, fine flesh with a nutty or toasty undertone to its flavor. While it seems decent enough for fresh eating, it is reputed to shine in pie and cider.

Eat this one now, it won’t keep through the winter.

Growing Notes

HN has a biennial bearing tendency, which means that it’s especially important to thin to one blossom per cluster by June 15.