Sebastopol (USA) - The Gravensteins are coming!

No, the Gravensteins are not long-lost relatives we’re welcoming home.

Visitors arriving to Sebastopol via Highway 116 are greeted by this wonderful banner as part of a joint project between Slow Food Russian River and Cittaslow Sebastopol. The purpose is to raise awareness about the Gravenstein apple and support local apple farmers.

In its heyday, there were over 11,000 acres dedicated to this heirloom apple. Now there are fewer than 500 acres. But with increasing demand for the unique sweet/tart flavor of the Gravenstein, local apple farmers are able to carry on a tradition that for some has been in their family for four generations and counting.

Other Gravenstein activities to enjoy this summer include:

• Free Gravenstein apples at area merchants and hotels. Starting in late July, customers at local stores, and visitors arriving at the airport or staying at local hotels will get a chance to develop a taste for our delicious apple mascot.
• Weekly apple recipes: Apple Chutney… Apple Cole Slaw…Chicken Apple Salad…Apple Lime Gingersnap Pie…Yumm! LIKE us on Facebook to get your weekly apple fix.

Most of all, be sure to mark your calendars for the Gravenstein Apple Fair (August 10-11) . This sweet little fair is celebrating its 40th year. AS in years past, it will be held at Ragle Ranch Park. Come to pet the animals, ride on a wagon pulled by draft horses, look at the old steam engines, listen to the music and of course, taste the apple pies! Stop by the Slow Food Russian River booth to learn more about Sebastopol’s apple history. Or stop by Cittaslow Sebastopol’s booth and get a snail tattoo!

by Tasha Beauchamp

Source: http://cittaslowusa.org/