Smokehouse

Smokehouse originated on the farm of William Gibbons near Millcreek, Pennsylvania, in the early 1800s, and was brought to notice in 1837. It is thought to be a seedling of Vandevere. Large in size and rectangular to truncate-conic in shape, the greenish-yellow skin is flushed red and striped carmine. Russet dots cover much of the surface. The yellowish-white flesh is crisp and tender with a subacid flavor. A vigorous grower, it is a heavy cropper that requires annual pruning. It develops a dense head that must be thinned out for sun and air penetration. The bark is reddish on new growth, and the large, oval, green leaves are very sharply-serrated and are smooth and shiny. It exhibits some resistance to collar rot and is slightly susceptible to scab and mildew. This all-purpose apple is good for cooking in September and for dessert in October.