An 1847 letter from Oliver Chapin, writes “the first Northern Spy apple trees were raised from seeds brought from the Northwest part of Connecticut, about the year 1800, by Elijah Taylor. The original Northern Spy apple tree was set in an orchard by Heman Chapin, and some sprouts were taken from it by Roswell Humphrey, and by him the fruit was first raised…as the original tree died before bearing”….. One of the best winter apples in the East, also does well in the Northwest. The Northern Spy apples are large, vigorous tree with attractive, thin-skinned fruit. Greenish-yellow skin is flushed and striped scarlet red. Northern Spy apples’ flesh is yellow to white, rather firm, very tender, crisp, juicy, slightly sweet and mildly acidic. Rated by the 19th century pomologist Robert Hogg as “a valuable dessert apple”. Similar to the Gravenstein with its varied use and character, but much later ripening. Stores well. Good for apple sauce, pies, cider, or simply eating out of hand.