A classic New England heirloom dating back to the early 1800s, the Tolman Sweet is prized for its distinctively mild, honeyed flavor and firm, fine-grained flesh. Pale yellow-green with a subtle blush and occasional russeting, it’s not a sharp or tart apple — instead, it offers pure, gentle sweetness with almost no acidity. Excellent for baking, roasting, and drying, it holds its shape well in the oven and caramelizes beautifully. While not ideal for fresh eating by today’s standards, its old-fashioned flavor makes it a favorite among heritage apple lovers.
Hurd OrchardsHurd Orchards
Holley, NY
Hurd Orchards is a family-owned fruit and flower farm and canning company located in the fertile lake plains of Western New York, nestled between the Erie Canal and the shores of Lake Ontario. For nearly two centuries, the Hurd family has cultivated this land, building a legacy rooted in stewardship, community, and a deep reverence for the natural world.
At the heart of Hurd Orchards is a love of fruit growing and a commitment to honoring the region’s agricultural heritage. The farm specializes in carefully tended, tree-ripened fruits grown on their own land, which are then preserved using time-honored methods and generations-old recipes. Each jar of jam or preserve reflects a philosophy of craftsmanship, seasonality, and extraordinary quality.
Beyond the orchard rows, Hurd Orchards is dedicated to preserving the beauty and productivity of its fields, forests, and meadows through sustainable practices and thoughtful land stewardship. Every aspect of the farm—from the fruits they grow to the landscapes they care for—embodies a vision of rural life that is rich in history, beauty, and purpose.