Katharine Apple Tree

  USDA Certified Organic Katharine is also a Wagener seedling, this was a breeder's favorite that somehow never got officially introduced - yet another Etter mystery. Because it somewhat resembles its sibling Waltana, perhaps Albert hesitated to put forth a variety that would compete with his brother's "pet". The Katharine apple remained unknown for many years, a solitary tree growing next to the house Albert built for his mail-order bride. The neighbors thought it was just another Waltana tree.... Katharine does indeed resemble Waltana in many respects, reflecting their common seed parent. Like Waltana, it is a large, late-ripening (November), long keeping apple that serves well for both eating and cooking. Yet, there are pronounced differences. Where the Waltana is a handsome red-striped and green apple, the Katharine can be beautiful with richer, more subtle coloration. This Yang/Yin dichotomy applies also to flavor: the Waltana's is pleasantly robust, while the Katharine possesse