{"product_id":"apples-arkansas-black","title":"Apples - Arkansas Black","description":"\u003cp\u003eBelieved to be a natural offspring of the Winesap apple, the Arkansas Black was discovered in Benton County, Arkansas. It enjoyed a brief popularity in the late 19th century because of its dark red to black colored fruits and long storage life. The taste of Arkansas Black apples also improves with age. When picked and tasted immediately at harvest (in October), the fruit of Arkansas Black apple trees is extremely hard and unflavored. For this reason, the apples were stored in straw-lined pits for several months, typically until at December or January. At this point, the fruit becomes softer for fresh eating or use in recipes, and it also develops a rich, sweet flavor in storage. Like its parent plant, the Winesap, the sweet flesh of Arkansas Black apples will retain its crisp texture even after months of storage. Today, Arkansas Black apples are usually kept in the refrigerator for at least 30 days before they are eaten or used. They can keep up to 8 months. They are reported to have an excellent natural cider flavor and are a favorite for apple pies or homemade hard cider.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Mercier's Orchards","offers":[{"title":"priced by weight","offer_id":44144435593304,"sku":"Q967942","price":1.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"1 peck (approx. 10-12 lbs)","offer_id":44144435626072,"sku":"915711J","price":16.25,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0725\/8747\/7080\/files\/original_39c9d051-f6d7-466e-ab95-e108adccf82e.png?v=1779792285","url":"https:\/\/common-ground-farm-2.myshopify.com\/products\/apples-arkansas-black","provider":"Common Ground Farm","version":"1.0","type":"link"}