Gray Pearmain

Most likely found in Skowhegan, ME, before 1880, this apple is named after its grayish hue and distinct pear-like flavor. It is mentioned as being grown by C.A. Marston of Skowhegan in the 1885 Maine Agricultural Yearbook. Just a few miles away, Steve and Marilyn Meyerhans own The Apple Farm (Marilyn is a cousin of the McDougals). There were five or six Gray Pearmain trees in the orchard when Steve and Marilyn purchased it more than 30 years ago from Royal Wentworth, and those trees were already old. Unfortunately they never thought to ask the soft-spoken Wentworth about the apple. Its true origin may remain forever a mystery. These apples keep extremely well; eat them in the fall, winter or spring. They also produce excellent juice.