My Grandfather worked in the orchard where we bought our apples.
The Arkansas Blacks are supposed to keep well if stored in a cool environment. When we bought them they kept for about 8 months refrigerated. They are very hard, but good for baking.
I love the Romes... they are just the right tart/sweet combo for my Thanksgiving pies.
http://losriosrancho.com/
Great to read the history of this apple ranch and the area. It is protected under a conservancy and contracts the farming out to the Riley family. My Grandparents came to this farm after WWII when it was still privately owned. The local school house in Oak Glen is a museum... old style one room school that served the community. My Aunt attended this school in the late 1940’s. We always go for apple time in the Fall and in late February after the last snow storm to take the kids for sledding.