Leathercoat

When Shakespeare employed the phrase  ' a dish of leathercoats' in Henry IV part 2 he was not referring to garments made of animal hide but to apples like these, now better known as russets. The rough tawny skin is more permeable than that of a shiny apple which means that their fragrant, nutty flavour is enhanced by keeping them a while to dry out.

I planted this apple tree about 20 years ago and this is the first time it has produced and ripened a decent crop instead of a just few undersized specimens. You rarely find  russets in supermarkets but some dedicated orchards still produce them. They cook well too, especially when slightly withered: I like to use them for tarte tatin.