The Orchard at
Sage Hen Farm:
Apple Trees
The Orchard at
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At Sage Hen Farm in Lodi, NY, we have a young orchard, several older fruit trees planted by a previous owner, and remnants from a much older apple orchard now part of a mixed deciduous woods. We have planted over 100 trees, including apples, pears, peaches, cherries, apricots, and plums. Among our apple trees, we have concentrated on antique and winter hardy varieties and those recommended for cider. We are only beginning to see the first fruits of our efforts. This chart identifies and describes the apple trees in our orchard. We also grow other fruit trees in our orchard. And I have put together a historical page about the apple orchard that my grandpap maintained and a page of links to other apple resources available online. A key to the sources used as links to apple images and for the ratings is found below the chart. |
SEPTEMBER: PRIMARILY YELLOW, GREEN, or RUSSET |
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Variety Origin & Date Image Sources |
Fruit |
Tree |
Primary Uses Merits & Faults Ratings |
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|---|---|---|---|---|
| Size, Shape & Flavor |
Color & Texture of Skin & Flesh |
Bloom & Harvest Shape & Size Hardiness |
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medium elongated and tapered, asymmetric rich, on the tart side of sweet-tart, complex |
bright yellow, with dull orange or red blush; tender skinned creamy white; semi-firm; texture is fine-grained & moderately juicy |
mid | early September average height, somewhat spreading to z4
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Culinary, especially
baking Merits: Tree: although biennial, still has decent off-year production; late blooming protects it from frost damage. Fruit: prized for pies; retains shape remarkably well. Faults: Tree: slow to bear; may drop fruit prematurely. Fruit: quickly browning flesh. Merit or fault?: Tree: ripens over several weeks. Fruit: too tart for fresh eating?; bruises somewhat easily. Ratings: AoNY: g-vg; BC: vg; NY1907: *; NY1914: g-vg/**; AP: g-vg; B-H: vg; Baker: NY (20), RI (6), VA; Bull91: 8-9**; Bull09: vgb*; Cole: excellent; Can; dessert vg, cooking vg, commercial value - third class; D: vg-b; FB: HR(DM); Lowther: best; Hedrick: best of all yellow fall apples; Hooper: 2, deserves a place in every orchard for beauty; Lear: 10; ME94: best/**; MI: f; NE7; Ont: 5/4/5/3; Ragan: vg-b; UIll: vg-b; Waugh: vg; Wilkinson: vg-b Special: specifically recommended for pies in early editions of by Fannie Farmer |
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Pitmaston Pine
Apple |
small elongated & tapered sprightly, sweet |
golden, russeted; rough, thick skinned yellow; texture is crisp & fine-grained |
mid |
mid September
naturally small, roundish to z5 |
Fresh eating, cider Merits: Tree: resistant to scab. Fruit: very juicy; highly aromatic; prized for rich, sweet flavoring in cider. Faults: Tree: shy to moderate cropper. Fruit: goes mealy quickly Merit or fault?: Fruit: russet qualities; small; subject to sweet water core [provides special burst of flavor, but lead to decay at core]. Ratings: AA: _; BC: nr; Ragan: [described but not rated; Y. |
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large wider shape sweet-tart, but reports vary on flavor |
yellow; tough skinned creamy yellow; texture is coarse, crisp, juicy. |
early | late September naturally large, upright to z3 |
Culinary Merits: Tree: very hardy (ironclad); moderate to heavy cropper. Fruit: does not bruise easily; good keeper. Faults: Fruit: not very flavorful; quickly browning flesh. Ratings: AoNY: "of no practical value for this state [Beach later revised rating to "good for dessert use" in northern New York; NY1907: _ [May be of value where superior hardiness is a prime requisite]; BC: good; B-H: good; Bull91: 7_; Bull09: p*; Can: good; FB: T (KM); Ragan: poor |
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Saint Edmund's
Russet |
small to medium wider shape rich, sweet, complex |
russeting over greenish yellow; thick skinned pale cream; firm; texture is crisp, fine-grained, & very juicy
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mid | late September average height, upright z3 |
Fresh eating, cider Merits: Tree: early bearer; resistant to scab and cedar apple rust; partially self-fertile. Fruit: non-browning flesh; prized for fresh eating and cider Faults: Tree: tip bearer (requires special pruning). Fruit: not a good keeper. Merit or Fault?: Tree: heavy cropper, but thinning required for good sized fruit. Fruit: russet qualities. Ratings: BC: nr; Browning; Potter; Ragan: not described |
| Twenty
Ounce (Cayuga Redstreak) (parentage unknown) NY before 1840 ny |
very large roundish,
but asymmetric mild, on the tart side of sweet-tart |
greenish yellow, splashed and striped with some red; thick, tough skinned yellow; texture is coarse & moderately juicy
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mid | Mid
to late September
naturally
small, spreading, with drooping to z3 |
Culinary, especially baking Merits: Tree: bears early & abundantly; bears fruits of uniform large size; fruits hold well to tree. Fruit: excellent keeper for ripening so early; does not bruise easily; premier pie & baking apple. Faults: Tree: subject to sun scald, canker, & winter injury. Fruit: not favored for fresh eating. Merit or fault?: Tree: naturally large; limbs droop rather than spread. Ratings: AoNY: good for culinary, 2nd rate for fresh; NY1907: ** [One of the best of the fall varieties]; NY1914: g/**; NY1916: 8; AP: good; BC: good; B-H: good; Bull91: 6-7**; Bull09: gvg*; Can; dessert poor, cooking good, commercial value - first to seond class; FB: HR(KM); Hooper: 2; ME94: vg/*; MICH: m; OPnt: 2/8/7/8; Ragan: g-vg; Waugh: fair; Wilkinson: g to vg/* |
SEPTEMBER: PROMINENTLY RED |
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Variety Origin & Date Image Sources |
Fruit |
Tree |
Primary Uses Merits & Faults Ratings |
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|---|---|---|---|---|
| Size, Shape & Flavor |
Color & Texture of Skin & Flesh |
Bloom & Harvest Shape & Size Hardiness |
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Northfield
Beauty |
medium to large wider shape, asymmetric rich, subacid, complex |
red & red stripes dominant over yellow, prominently dotted; tender skinned white; texture is crisp & juicy |
early-mid | early September
naturally small, upright to z3 |
Fresh eating, cider Merits: Tree: very hardy (nearly ironclad); heavy cropper of good-sized fruit; fruit hangs well; resistant to scab. Fruit: one of better keepers among earlier ripening apples; prized for its spicy flavor. Faults: Tree: short-lived. Merit or fault?: Fruit: asymmetrical shape makes it not-so beautiful to some. Ratings:
Bull99: 6-8_; Bull09: vg_; Downing: good;
AHS: approaching best; Ragan: vg; Waugh: good |
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Autumn
Crisp (NY 674) |
medium to large classic apple shape on the tart side of sweet-tart |
red dominant over a greenish yellow; moderately tough skinned white; texture is crisp, fine-grained & juicy |
mid | early September average height, upright to z5 |
Fresh eating, culinary Merits: Tree: early bearer. Fruit: exceptionally non-browning flesh; holds shape well in baking; high levels of Vitamin C. Faults: Fruit: litle flavor beyond tartness according to a couple taste tests. Rating: [too new] Special: Mott's valued it enough to negotiate with Cornell for exclusive rights to it, I think for the purpose of developing apple slices or chips as a new snack food. As the new name and increased availability in 2009 indicates, the deal was not completed. |
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Gala |
medium classic apple shape mild, sweet |
Ours is the Brookfield
strain which has red stripes over
dominent red and some yellow; moderately thin skinned
yellow h-white; texture is moderately crisp, very fine-grained, & juicy |
mid | early September average height, upright to z4 |
Fresh eating Merits: Tree: resistant to powdery mildew; crops heavily regularly; widely recommended for both home and coommercial orchards. Fruit: has become a new standard for sweet fresh eating apples; holds its shape when cooked. Faults: Tree: very susceptible to scab; requires much thinning for good sized fruit; brittle wood. Fruit: turns mealy when over ripe; too bland when cooked; too bland for good cider. Ratings: A21: vg/b; BBG; Y
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small (but large for a crab) wider shape rich, on the sweet side of sweet-tart |
yellow orange with red stripes, some russeting, bloom yellow |
mid | early September naturally small, upright to z3 |
Fresh eating, cider,
jelly Merits: Tree: annual, good pollinator; resistant to cedar rust. Fruit: prized for cider blending & jelly; very juicy. Faults: Fruit: quickly browning flesh. Ratings: AA: ***; Browning. |
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Mother
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small to medium elongated intense, on the sweet side of sweet-tart, complex |
yellow, with red stripes; thin skinned cream; texture is very fine-grained, tender, & juicy |
mid | early September naturally small, upright to z4
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Fresh eating Merits: Tree: late blooming protects it from frost damage. Fruit: prized as one of the best tasting fresh eating apples; non-browning flesh; aromatic. Faults: Tree: slow to bear; thinning required for good sized fruit and to prevent biennial bearing. Fruit: does not keep well. Merit or fault?: Tree: conflicting reports on resistance to scab. Fruit: almost melting flesh Ratings: AoNY: vg-best; NY1907: * [Tree characters poor. Appearance and quality of the best]; AP: vg; Baker: NY (20); BC: vg; B-H: best; Browning; Bull91: 8-9**; Bull09: b*; Cole: has no superior, and few equals, delightful mingling of sub-acid & saccharine; D: best; Elliot: vg; FB: R(D); Hooper: 2; Lowther: best; ME94: best/**; Ont: 8/7/6/6; Potter; Ragan: best ; Waugh: vg; Wilkinson: best. |
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Red
Gravenstein |
medium to large roundish, ribbed, often lopsided rich, on the tart side of sweet-tart, complex |
red stripes & splashes over orangy yellow; thin skinned ivory; texture is crisp, very fine-grained & very juicy |
early | early September thru late September or even later naturally large, spreading to z5 |
Fresh eating,
culinary, cider Merits: Tree: early bearing; requires little pruning; widely recommended for both home and coommercial orchards. Fruit: prized for sprightly rich flavor; handles well; considered best early season cider apple Faults: Tree: biennial; slow to bear; triploid (does not pollinate); may drop fruit prematurely; susceptible to scab & powdery mildew; subject to winter damage. Fruit: skin can become greasy; quickly browning. Merit or fault?: Tree: productive or not very productive (reports vary); ripens over several weeks; partial tip bearer (pruning challenge). Fruit: subject to sweet water core [provides special burst of flavor, but lead to decay at core]. Ratings [most are for Gravenstein, rather than Red Gravenstein]: AA: **; AoNY: vg-b; NY1907: **: NY1914: vg-b/*; A21: vg-b; AP: vg; B-H: excellent; BBG; BC: vg; Baker: NY (12), MA (6), RI (12), NJ (20), MI; Bull91: 5-6**; Bull99: 8-9**; Bull09: vg**; Can; dessert vg, cooking vg, commercial value - first class; Cole: one of the handsomest and best; D: vg; FB: HR(DKM); Hooper: sometimes excellent; Lear: 9; ME94: vg/**; MI: vg, 777; NE2; Ont: 9/9/10/10; UIll: vg-b; Ragan: vg; Unimpeachable; Waugh: vg; Wilkinson: vg; Y |
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Red Wealthy
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medium classic apple shape, slightly ribbed mild, sweet-tart |
red stripes over pale greenish yellow; tough, thin skinned greenish white tinged with pink; texture is moderately crisp, moderately fine-grained, & moderately juicy |
mid | early September naturally large, roundish to z3
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Fresh eating, culinary Merits: Tree: very hardy (nearly ironclad); early bearer; non-browning flesh; resistant to scab. Fruit: does not bruise easily Faults: Tree: Tree: biennial; thinning required for good sized fruits; may drop fruit prematurely; susceptible to fire blight and powdery mildew. Fruit: skin can become greasy; susceptible to cedar-apple rust and fireblight. Merit or fault?: Tree: heavy cropper only when tree is young; partial tip bearer (pruning challenge); ripens over several weeks. Ratings [most are for Wealthy, rather than Red Wealthy]: AA: **; AoNY: g-vg; NY1907: * [** in some other NY regions]; NY1914: g-vg/**; NY1916: l/sp; BC: good; B-H: vg; Bull91: 6/**; Bull99: 6-7**; Bull09: vg**; Can; dessert good, cooking good, commercial value - first class; D: vg; FB: HR(DKM); Lowther: vg; ME94: vg/*; MI: f/m; NW: vg; Ont: 8/6/9/9; Ragan: vg; Waugh: fair ; Wilkinson: vg/*; Y. |
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Variety Origin & Date Image Sources |
Fruit |
Tree |
Primary Uses Merits & Faults Ratings |
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| Size, Shape & Flavor |
Color & Texture of Skin & Flesh |
Bloom & Harvest Shape & Size Hardiness |
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medium classic shape rich, on the sweet
side of sweet-tart |
light, dark and orangy reds over yellow-green, occasional trace of russetting, thin skinned pale cream; texture is crisp & fine grained, tender, crisp, melting, aromatic, very juicy. |
mid | mid September naturally very large, roundish to z4 |
Fresh eating, culinary Merits: Tree: early bearing; very prolific; annual; resistant to scab & powdery mildew. Faults: Fruit: does not keep well. Merit or
fault?: Tree: fruit ripens over long season. Ratings: AoNY:vg; AP: best; B-H: vg; Bull91: 8-9/**; Bull09: vgb**; FB:
HR(D); Special: In his Report of the Pomologist
to the US Commissioner of Agriculture, 1888, Henry E. Van Deman stated,
"If I should be asked to select the choicest early autumn apple
known to me, I would say the Jefferies." |
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Honeycrisp |
large classic apple shape sprightly, on the sweet side of sweet-tart |
red & orange over yellow, dotted; moderately thick skinned cream texture is very crisp & coarse
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mid | mid September naturally small, upright to z3 |
Fresh eating Merits: Tree: very hardy; annual. Fruit: exceptionally crisp. Faults: Tree: slow to mature; susceptible to powdery mildew. Fruit: moderately quick browning, not tart enough or right texture for good cooking or baking. Ratings: A21: vg; AA: *; Browning Special: Minnesota's State Apple. |
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King
of the Pippins |
small to medium somewhat elongated, sometimes lopsided mild, sweet-tart, complex |
red and orange stripes dominant over yellow; thick skinned pale cream; texture is crisp, fine-grained, & moderately juicy.
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mid | mid September
naturally small, upright to z5
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Fresh eating,
culinary, cider Merits: Tree: certain & abundant cropper; grows well in many different soils; resistant to scab. Fruit: highly aromatic; rich flavor; prized for nutty character in cider blending. Faults: Fruit: quickly browning flesh. Merit or fault?: Tree: heavy cropper, but much thinning required for good sized fruit and to prevent biennial bearing; distinctive, sharp flavor does not appeal to everyone. Ratings: AA: ***, BC: nr; Elliott: unworthy; Ragan: g ; UIll: g-vg; VT. Special: King of the Pippins may be the name of several unrelated apples. It may or may not be identical to the Clarke Pearmain grown at Monticello. The English Reine de Reinettes (King of the Pippins) may be the same as or different from a Dutch Reine des Reinettes (Queen of the Pippins). The King of the Pippins also known as Golden Winter Pearmain may or may not be the same apple as the King of the Pippins currently being propogated. There is further speculation that Reinette is a pun on Rainette, or little frog, because of those apples' thick, spotted skins, or derived from "renatus" or renewed, meaning grafted, not grown from seed. |
| large
classic apple shape rich, on the sweet side of sweet-tart |
yellow with red stripes;
red may or may not be prominent;
tender skinned
yellowish-white; texture is coarse, moderately crisp, & very juicy. |
mid | mid September
average height, upright to z5 |
Fresh eating, culinary,
cider Merits: Tree: heavy cropper of large fruit; somewhat resistant to scab; little pre-harvest drop; widely recommended for both home and coommercial orchards. Fruit: aromatic; non-browning flesh; prized for multiple purposes. Faults: Tree: triploid (does not pollinate); susceptible to powdery mildew; subject to winter injury. Fruit: soft texture in some climates. Ratings: A21: vg/b; AA: _; BBG; Browning; Y. Special: finished first among "The World's Best Commercial Dessert Apples," in a poll of 19 apple experts in 1989. Coming to prominence in Europe before North America, it has become a new standard for fresh eating. |
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| Rambo (Winter Rambo, Romanite, Bread and Cheese) (parentage unknown) Delaware or Pa. before 1700 |
medium distinctively wider shape rich, on the sweet side of sweet-tart, complex, distinctive |
pale greenish yellow mottled & streaked with red; thin but tough skinned yellow; texture is very crisp, moderately fine-grained, & juicy |
mid | mid September naturally smaller than average, upright to z5
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Fresh eating,
culinary, cider Merits: Tree: grows well in many different soils; bears fruits uniform in shape and size; very productive. Fruit: praised for its wonderful, distinctive aroma; prized for fresh eating and cooking; does not bruise easily. Faults: Tree: biennial; slow to bear; of questionable hardiness in northern climate; brittle wood; subject to winter injury. Fruits: not long keeping. Merit or fault?: Fruit: red color is often dull or lacking. Ratings: AoNY: g/vg, particularly desirable for dessert; NY1907: _ [Tender tree; productive to a fault; excellent quality.]; AP: vt; Baker: NJ (20), PA (20), KY, OH, IL; BC: nr; B-H: vg; Bull1891: 5-6*; Bull99: 7-8*; Bull09: vg*; Can; dessert vg, cooking good, commercial value - third class; Cole: one of the finest; D: vg; Elliott: has no superior; FB: R(DM); Hooper: 1; Lear: 10; Lowther: vg; Ont:5/1/2/5; Ragan: vg; UIll: vg; Unimpeachable; VT; Waugh: good; Wilkinson: vg. Special: First grown by the Rambo family that originated in New Sweden. If grown from seed brought over from Sweden in 1630, could rival the Roxbury Russett for the title "oldest American" variety; favorite apple of Hoosier poet James Whitcomb Riley, who wrote an ode to the Rambo and mentioned it by name in four other poems. In Varieties of Apples in Ohio (1915), "little old-fashioned Rambo" was said to have been "found in almost every old orchard in Ohio." Falsely claimed to be favorite apple of Johnny Appleseed; John Chapman, for religious reasons, shunned all varieties such as the Rambo that were perpetuated through grafting. |
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Hewes
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small roundish intense, tart, moderately |
yellow red, prominent dots yellow tinged with red |
early | mid September naturally small, upright zone 4 |
Cider, jelly Merits: Tree: very hardy; heavy cropper; good pollenator. Fruit: prized for tartness in cider blending. Faults: Fruit: can turn dry and mealy quickly; quickly browning flesh Rating: AP: best; Bull97: 2*; Bull09: g*; Browning; FB: R(C); UIll: good only for cider. Special: Thomas Jefferson's recommended apple for cider |
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medium classic apple shape rich, tart, moderately |
waxy-pink to red
white & red; texture is moderately dry |
early | mid September average height, upright to z3 |
Culinary, especially
baking; cider-blending Merits: Tree: very hardy (ironclad); bronze leaves and red blossoms qualify it as an ornamental; high resistance to disease and pests. Fruit: red juice, excellent for colorful cider blending; makes good tasting, eye catching pies. Faults: Tree: not highly productive. Fruit: quickly browning flesh Merit or fault?: not recommended for fresh eating |
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Redflesh
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crab elongated astringent |
red; thin skinned red flesh through-out; texture is crisp & fine grained. |
early | mid September naturally small, upright to z4 |
Cider-blending, jelly Merits: Tree: beautiful red buds and pink flowers; greenish bronze foliage. Fruit: rich in health-beneficial anthocyanins Faults: Tree: biennial; highly susceptible to scab. Fruit: good for jellies, sauces, and cider. Merit or fault?: Fruit: . Special: An ornamental flowering crab. Although Roger Way (Cornell, 1992) called it inedible, Maine pomologist Donald Wyman rated it among the best crabs for flower and best for fruit in 1950. |
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Variety Origin & Date Image Sources |
Fruit |
Tree |
Primary Uses Merits & Faults Ratings |
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| Size, Shape & Flavor |
Color & Texture of Skin & Flesh |
Bloom & Harvest Shape & Size Hardiness |
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Kidd's Orange Red |
medium to large elongated, slightly ribbed rich, on the sweet side of sweet-tart |
yellow crimson, dotted, occasionally russeting; thick skinned deep cream; texture is fine-grained & firm. |
mid | late September average height, upright to z5
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Fresh eating, cider Merits: Tree: annual (if thinned); resistant to scab, very resistant to fireblight. Fruit: very juicy; non-browning flesh Faults: Tree: susceptible to scab & canker; requires thinning for large sized fruit. Fruit: may be dull colored. Merit or fault: Tree: slow to bear or precocious (depending on source). Fruit: has tendency to russet Ratings: A21: vg; Y. |
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small to medium classic
apple shape, but mild, on the sweet side of sweet-tart |
red very dominant over yellow, slight bloom; thin skinned white; moderately crisp & juicy.
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early-mid | late September naturally large, upright to z4 |
Fresh eating,
culinary, especially sauces Merits: Tree: annual; heavy cropper; very resistant to disease. Fruit: considered by many to be highest quality of the varieties bred for disease resistance. Faults: Tree: may drop fruit prematurely; somewhat susceptible to powdery mildew. Fruit: has milder flavor than its non-disease-resistant parents; goes mealy & mushy quickly when overripe. Ratings: A21: vg; AA: **; BBG; Y. |
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Holstein |
large wider shape rich, on the sweet side of sweet-tart, complex, distinctive |
bright red over orange with some yellowtough, but moderately thin skinned deep yellow with tinge of orange texture is moderately coarse & juicy |
mid | late September average height, upright to z4
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Fresh eating, cider Merits: Tree: resistant to scab. Fruit: non-browning flesh; prized for fresh eating and cider; shares many qualities of Cox's Orange, but is larger size. Faults: Tree: biennial; triploid; susceptible to scab and canker. Fruit: subject to cracking. Ratings: AA: _; Grootendors: "unblemished fruit of equally exquisite flavor"; Y. Special: in a Danish five-year study published in 2003 that tested organically grown, unsprayed trees, the Holsteiner Cox was the only variety of 14 that combined high yield, good fruit size and good eating quality with an acceptably low susceptibility to disease. |
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Detroit Red |
medium to very large wider shape, ribbed mild, on the tart side of sweet-tart |
glossy deep purple or black
over dark red, prominently dotted; tough thick
skinned
white, occasionally stained with red; tender, coarse, aromatic, juicy |
late | late September average height, roundish to z4
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Culinary, cider Merits: Tree: hardy and productive.
Merit or fault?: Fruit: great variability in size and color Ratings: AP: good?; [Note: the confusion between the Detroit Red, Detroit Black, and Red Detroit makes ratings uncertain] Special:
planted by Thomas Jefferson at Monticello; may be a parent of the
Macintosh |
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small to medium classic apple shape intense, subacid, comnplex |
dark red over greenish yellow, slight bloom, prominently dotted; thin skinned white; crisp, fine-grained, & juicy.
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mid | late September naturally large, upright to z4
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Fresh eating,
culinary, cider Merits: Tree: annual; heavy cropper; very resistant to fire blight; may drop fruit prematurely. Fruit: very crisp; good for multiple purposes. Faults: Tree: susceptible to powdery mildew. Fruit: poor keeper. Merit or fault?: Fruit: slightly coarse flesh; optimum flavor develops after storage. Ratings: A21: vg; AA: ***; BBG; Y. Special: has developed a cult following in the northeast. Pronounce the name as you like -- I've heard it both McCowan and McCoon by authorities with Cornell-Geneva connections (where it was developed) |
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OCTOBER: PROMINENTLY RED |
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Variety Origin & Date Image Sources |
Fruit |
Tree |
Primary Uses Merits & Faults Ratings |
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|---|---|---|---|---|
| Size, Shape & Flavor |
Color & Texture of Skin & Flesh |
Bloom & Harvest Shape & Size Hardiness |
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King
of Tompkins County
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large to very large roundish, slightly ribbed rich, on the sweet side of sweet-tart |
yellow orange red, with bloom; smooth, moderately thick skin. yellow; texture is crisp, moderately coarse, & juicy. |
mid | early October naturally large, spreading to z4
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Fresh eating;
culinary, especially baking; cider Merits: Tree: annual; very resistant t scab. Fruit: Faults: Tree: triploid (does not pollinate; although has some self-fertility) slow to bear; may drop fruit prematurely; susceptible to mildew & scab; subject to collar rot. Fruit: waxy skin becomes greasy in storage. Merit or fault?: Tree: partial tip bearer (pruning challenge). Fruit: subject to sweet water core. Ratings: AoNY: vg/b; NY1907: **; NY1914: vg-b/**; NY1916: 4; AP: vg; Baker: NY (12), IL; B-H: vg/b; Bull97: 8-9**; Bull09: vg**; Can; dessert vg, cooking vg, commercial value - first class; D: vg-b; FB: HR(DM); Grootendors: "brings back childhood memories of the way a real apple ought to taste"; Lear: 8; Lowther: vg; ME94: vg/*; MI: vg, 767; Ont: 8/10/10/10; Ragan: vg-b; Waugh: vg; Wilkinson: vg; Y. Special: once fourth leading apple variety grown in New York State. |
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large wider shape, but variable & irregular; some ribbing mild, on the sweet side of sweet-tart |
deep red yellow, blue bloom, prominently dotted; tough skin creamy yellow; texture is coarse, moderately juicy, & moderately soft. |
mid-late | early October naturally large, roundish to z3
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Culinary, especially
sauces Merits: Tree: very hardy; long lived. Fruit: handsome coloring; does not bruise easily; aromatic. Faults: Tree: slow to bear. Fruit: not crisp. Merit or fault: mixed reports on bearing, shy or productive. Ratings: AA: *; AoNY: good; NY1907: _ [* in northern NY region]; AP: good?; BC: good; B-H: vg; Bull97: 6**; Bull09: vg*; Can: good, commercial value - not profitable because of its unproductiveness; Elliott: vg; FB: R(DM); Lowther: good; ME94: g/*; Ont: 6/6/8/8; Ragan: vg; Waugh: fair; Wilkinson: vg; Y. Special: featured in Thoreau's essay "Wild apples" |
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Connell
Red |
very large to huge classic apple shape rich, on the sweet side of sweet-tart |
red, with waxy bloom; moderately thick skinned. white; texture is crisp & fine-grained.
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mid | early October average height, upright to z4
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Fresh eating Merits: Tree: heavy cropper; fruits tolerate fall frosts and mild freezes; resistant to scab, cedar apple rust and fireblight; widely recommended for both home and coommercial orchards. Fruit: very aromatic; prized for fresh eating & cider. Faults: Tree: triploid (does not pollinate). Fruit: subject to cracking; quickly browning flesh: skin can become greasy. Merit or fault: Tree: usually, but unreliably annual. Rating: top pick at taste test held at Cooperative Extension in Ithaca, 2007. |
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med-large blocky, slightly ribbed intense, sweet-tart; complex |
dark red stripes over red, dominant over some yellow, prominently dotted, slight bloom; tough skinned. deep cream; texture is crisp, fine-grained, & juicy |
mid | early October naturally small; upright with some drooping to z4 or z5
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Fresh eating,
culinary, cider Merits: Tree: bears fruit of uniform size; once among top ten leading apple varieties grown in New York State. Fruit: unexcelled in rich, spicy, exceedingly high flavor; attractive in shape & color; does not bruise easily; non-browning flesh Faults: Tree: slow to bear; biennial; shy bearer; may drop fruit prematurely; susceptible to canker, scab & fire blight; quality variable due to soil and climate -- requires rich, fertile soil. Merit or fault?: Fruit: flavor best after fruit ripens over several weeks; subject to sweet water core. Ratings: AA: **; AoNY: vg/b; NY1907: * [** in some other regions]; NY1914: vg-b/**; AP: best; Baker: CT (12), OH, MI; B-H: best; BBG; BC: vg; Browning; Bull1897: 10*; Bull99: 10**; Bull09: vgb**; Can: first class for all purposes; D: best (unsurpassed); FB: HR(D); Grootendors: "one of the best to eat out of hand"; Lowther: best; A21: vg/b; Hooper: 1 to 2; ME94: best/*; NE24; Ont: 9/7/9?10; Ragan: b; Unimpeachable; Waugh: best; Wilkinson: vg/b; Y. Special:
planted by T. Jefferson, Washington Irving & G. Washington. Instead
of being Thomas Jefferson's favorite apple, this may be the one that
frustrated him the most. |
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|
Red
Canada |
small to medium to large classic apple shape rich, on the sweet side of sweet-tart |
dark red striping over yellow with a deep red blush, prominently dotted; smooth, tough. white with tints of yellow or green; firm, crisp, juicy, aromatic, fine-grained. |
mid | early October moderate grower, spreading to z4 |
Fresh eating,
culinary, cider Merits: Tree: can very productive, annual, excellent storage. Fruit: at its best, rivals the best for top honors in flavor Faults: Tree: requires rich, strong soil; not reliable every year. Fruit: tends to shrivel in storage. Merit or
fault?: Tree: varies much in different seasons and in
different localities -- although listed as very
productive, some trees can be shy. Fruit: can range from "one
of the best apples of its season" to "decidedly
inferior." -- Beach Ratings: AA: *; AoNY: g to b; AP: abest; Bull91: 8-9*; Bull09:vg*; Can: good; Cole: fair to excellent; Dowling: vg-b (best winter); Eliott: one of the most valuable; FB: HR(DM); Hooper: 1; D: vg-b; ME94: b; MI: vg, 8.5.10; Ragan: vg.
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|
medium somewhat elongated sprightly, on the tart side of sweet-tart |
red & red stripes over yellow, dotted; moderately thick skinned white; texture is crisp & firm
|
early | early October naturally small, upright to z3 |
Fresh eating, culinary,
cider Merits: Tree: early bearer, heavy cropper of good sized fruit; resistant to fireblight. Fruit: vg for multiple purposes; prized as a good cider base. Faults: Tree: susceptible to cedar-apple rust &scab. Fruit: subject to cracking & russeting. Merit or fault: Tree: heavy cropper, but thinning required for good sized fruit and to prevent biennial bearing. Fruit: cracking common in first years of harvest; flavor best after fruit ripens over several weeks; subject to sweet water core [provides special burst of flavor, but lead to decay at core]. Ratings [for Haralred]: A21: g/vg; BBG; Y. |
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|
medium to large wider shape, ribbed sprightly, sweet-tart |
yellow crimson, bloom pale cream tinged with yellow; texture is very crisp, very tender & juicy. |
mid | early October naturally small, very upright to z4
|
Fresh eating, culinary,
cider Merits: Tree: early bearer, heavy cropper (when young); fruits hang on trees for long time; very resistant to scab; once among top ten leading apple varieties grown in New York State.
Faults: Tree: biennial; tip bearer; susceptible to mildew and fire blight; short-lived. Fruit: skin can become greasy Merit or fault?: naturally small. Ratings: AoNY: vg-b; NY1907: *; NY1914: vg-b/*; AP: good; Baker: IL; BC: vg; B-H: vg-b; Bull1897: 8-9*; Bull99:7-8**; Bull09: vgb**; Can: dessert vg, cooking good, commercial value - home market first class, foreign market second class; D: vg-b; FB: HR(DM); Lowther: best; ME94: best/*; MI: vg, 966; Ont:8/7/6/7; Ragan: vg-b; Unimpeachable; Waugh: good when well grown; Wilkinson: vg/b; Y. |
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|
Smokehouse |
large somewhat wider shape mild, on the sweet side of sweet-tart |
dull red, yellow, dotted; tough, but thin skinned yellow; texture is crisp, fine-grained, & juicy |
early | early October naturally large, spreading to z3
|
Fresh eating,
culinary, cider Merits: Tree: annual; early bearer; holds fruit well; resistant to fireblight. Fruit: does not bruise easily; prized as a multi-purpose apple; prized a cider base. Faults: Tree: susceptible to apple scab. Fruit: flavor described as too mild or lacking high character in some taste tests; can go mealy. Merit or fault?: Tree: crooked growth and dense head provide extra pruning challenge; heavy cropper, but thinning required for large sized fruit. Ratings: AA: *: AoNY: good; NY1907: _; AP: good?; Baker: PA (6); BBG; BC: good; B-H: good; Bull1897: 5-6**; Bull99: 6-7/*; Bull09: g*; D: g; FB: R(K); Hooper: 2 to 1; Lowther: good; One: 3/6/4/6; Ragan: g; Waugh: fair |
|
Westfield Seek
No Further |
medium classic shape, but irregular; slightly ribbed rich, sweet with
some astringency, complex, distinctive |
bright
red stripes over deep yellow tinged with green, splashed with dull red,
dotted, often covered with blue bloom; russeting possible
white tinged with yellow; texture is fine & tender. |
mid | early October average height, roundish to z4
|
Fresh eating,
cider-blending Merits: Tree: heavy cropper. Fruit: fresh; prized for sweet/sharp kick it provides in cider blending Faults: Tree: slow to bear. Fruit: dull coloring; not recommended for cooking; doesn't keep well Merit or fault: Fruit: has unique aroma; taste is too astringent for some Ratings: AA: **; AoNY: vg/b; NY1907: *; NY1916: l/sp; AP: good; Baker: NJ (20), OH; BC: nr; B-H: vg or best; Bull97: 8-9/*; Bull99: 8-9**; Bull09: vgb*; Can: dessert vg, cooking fair, commercial value - first class when well grown; D: vg or best; FB: HR(DM); ME94: best/*; MI: best; UIll: vg/b (one of 17 of "greatest promise for general usefulness"); Ont: 7/7/7/8; Ragan: vg-b; Waugh: vg; Wilkinson: vg/b; Y. |
|
large wider shape sprightly, on the sweet side of sweet-tart |
dull brownish or bright red over yellow, dotted, some russet; rough, thick skinned. pale cream; texture is moderately soft & juicy |
early-mid | early October average height, roundish to z5 |
Fresh eating, cider Merits: Tree: early bearer; heavy cropper; annual. Fruit: prized for fresh eating & cider; natural gloss gives handsome appearance; non-browning flesh; very juicy. Faults: Tree: thinning required for good sized fruit & to prevent biennial bearing; susceptible to winter injury; subject to collar rot; may drop fruit prematurely. Fruit: "hammered" skin can become greasy; not prized for pies & other baking; loses flavor in storage. Ratings: AA: *; AoNY: vg to best; NY1907: **; NY1914: vg-b/**; NY1916: 7; AP: vg; Baker: MA (6), NJ (12), MI; BC: nr; B-H: vg; Bull97: 8-9**; Bull09: vg**; Can: vg, commercial value - first class; Cole: excellent; D: vg-b; FB: HR(DM); NE14; Lowther: vg; ME94: vg/**; MI: b, 10.5.9; Ont: 7/8/8/8; Ragan: vg; UIll: vg; Waugh: vg; Wilkinson: vg; Y. |
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Variety Origin & Date Image Sources |
Fruit |
Tree |
Primary Uses Merits & Faults Ratings |
|
| Size, Shape & Flavor |
Color & Texture of Skin & Flesh |
Bloom & Harvest Shape & Size Hardiness |
||
|
large classic apple shape rich, sweet-tart |
multiple shades of red stripes & mottling, dominant over yellow; tough skinned white tinged with green; texture is moderately coarse & very juicy; |
mid | mid October naturally
large, roundish to z4 |
Fresh eating;
culinary, especially baking; cider Merits: Tree: heavy cropper; long lived; grows well on a variety of soils; bears fruit of uniform large size; once leading apple variety grown in New York & other northern states. Fruit: keeps well; does not bruise easily; attractive in shape & color; prized for quality for multiple purposes; revered for excellence as cider base. Faults: Tree: slow to bear; more strictly biennial than most other varieties; triploid (does not pollinate); below average for Northern tree in hardiness; subject to winter damage; thinning advised to avoid limb breakage; susceptible to scab & powdery mildew. Ratings: AA: **; AoNY: good to vg; NY1907: **; NY1914: g-vg/**; NY1916: 1; AP; good; Baker: NY (6), MA (6), RI (6), NJ (6), PA (6), OH; BBG; BC: good; Bull97: 5-6**; Bull09: vg**; B-H: vg; Can: dessert fair, cooking good, commercial value - first class; D: vg; FB: HR(KM); Hooper: 1 (where it succeeds); Lear: 9; Lowther: vg; ME94: vg/**; MI: vg, 6.9.10; NE3; Ont: 2/5/7/8; Ragan: vg; Unimpeachable; Waugh: fair; Wilkinson: vg; Y. Special: America's first dominant commercial variety (for more than 75 years). |
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Kinnard's
Choice
|
medium wider, somewhat tapered, slightly ribbed, occasionally lopsided rich, subacid |
dark red over yellow, prominently dotted; tough, thick skinned yellowish; texture is moderately fine-grained, crisp, tender, aromatic, juicy |
mid | mid October naturally large, spreading to z4 |
Fresh eating, cider Merits: Tree: early bearer; heavy cropper; annual (but with heavier crops biennially); very resistant to fire blight and cedar apple rust. Fruit: excellent keeper. Faults: Tree: slender grower. Fruit: not
uniform, Merit or
fault?: Tree: not well tested in New York State. Fruit: subject to sweet water core. Ratings: AoNY: g to vg; Bull91: 5-6*; Bull09: vg*; D: vg; FB: R(DM); Hedrick: g to vg. |
| Magog Redstreak (parentage unknown) Vermont before 1870 |
large distinctively wider shape, faintly ribbed mild, sweet-tart, distinctive |
red splashed over light yellow, some russet; tough, thin skinned cream; juicy; moderately fine-grained & very juicy
|
mid early | mid October naturally large, upright to z3 |
Culinary Merits: Tree: very hardy (ironclad). Faults: Tree: tends toward biennial. Merit or fault?: Fruit: peculiar flavor liked by some, disliked by others; quality may be good only compared to other hardy trees. Ratings: AoNY: good; NY1907: _; BC: medium; B-H: fair to good; Bull99: 7-8/X; Bull09: g_; Can: good, commercial value - third class; Hedrick (in 1922): has been on probation for nearly a half a century, but of unquestionable excellence as a culinary apple; Lowther: good; ME94: .../...; Ont: 3/7/5/7; Ragan: [described but not rated]; Waugh: good; Wilkinson: good; |
|
small to medium classic apple shape mild, on the tart side of sweet-tart |
deep purple, blue bloom, prominently dotted; tough skinned greenish white; texture is crisp, very firm, and moderately dry |
mid-late | mid October average height, upright to z3
|
Fresh eating,
culinary, cider Merits: Tree: annual; disease resistant; late blooming protects it from frost damage; fruits tolerate fall frosts and mild freezes. Fruit: handsome dark color. Faults: its hard flesh earned it the nickname “the rock.” Merit or fault?: moderately dry flesh Ratings: AA: *; Baker: ME; BC: nr; B-H: good; ME94: .../_; ME08: good; NW: good; Ragan: g |
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|
Keepsake  |
small to medium irregularly shaped sprightly, on the
sweet side of sweet-tart, complex |
red stripes over yellow; slight bloom; thick skinned. creamy yellow; texture is crisp & coarse. |
mid | mid October average height, upright to z3 |
Fresh eating, culinary Merits: Tree: annual; somewhat resistant to fire blight, scab & cedar apple rust; fruits tolerate fall frosts and mild freezes. Fruit: non-browning flesh. Faults: Fruit: not pretty. Ratings: A21: g/vg; BBG; Y. |
|
Northern
Spy |
large classic apple shape, slightly ribbed sprightly, on the tart
side of sweet-tart, complex |
multiple shades of red over a pale yellow, bloom; thin skinned pale cream; texture is crisp & fine grained. |
late | mid October naturally very large, very upright to z4 |
Fresh eating;
culinary, escpecially baking; cider Merits: Tree: very hardy (nearly ironclad); late blooming protects it from frost damage; reliable bearer; long lived. Fruit: aromatic; classic apple flavor; natural gloss gives handsome appearance; prized for multiple purposes, especially pies. Faults: Tree: very slow to mature; susceptible to scab, bitter pit; quality variable due to soil. Fruit: subject to cracking; susceptable to bruise marks. Merit or fault?: Tree: partial tip bearer (pruning challenge). Fruit: bruises easily, but stores well if carefully packed. Ratings: AA: *; AoNY: vg/b; NY1907: **; NY1914: vg-b/**; NY1916: 3; A21: vg/b; AP: vg; Baker: NY (20), RI (20), VA, MI; BBG; BC: vg; B-H: vg-b; Bull97: 8-9**; Bull09: vgb**; Can: dessert best, cooking best, commercial value - home market first class, skin a little tender for distance shipment; D: vg-b; FB: HR(DKM); Hooper: 2; Lear: 10; Lowther: best; ME94: best/**; MI: best, 10.9.10; Ont: 8/10/10/10; Ragan: vg-b; Unimpeachable; Waugh: vg; Wilkinson: vg/b; Y. Special: once the
third leading apple
variety grown in New York State. Called the "the standard of quality
for both dessert and culinary uses." in Varieties of Apples in Ohio
(1915), even though it doesn't grow well in all parts of the state. |
|
Starkey |
medium classic apple shape sprightly, sweet-tart |
red crimson, prominently dotted; tough, but thin skinned pale cream; texture is tender & juicy |
mid | mid October average height, upright to z3 |
Fresh eating Merits: Tree: early bearer. Fruit: highly regarded regionally for fresh eating. Faults: Tree: biennial. Ratings: AoNY: vg; NY1907: _ [+ in North]; B-H: described as pleasant, but not rated; Bull97: 8/**; Bull09: _*; Lowther: good; ME94: vg/*; ME08: vg; Ragan: listed, but quality not rated; Waugh: good. |
|
Variety Origin & Date Image Sources |
Fruit |
Tree |
Primary Uses Merits & Faults Ratings |
|
| Size, Shape & Flavor |
Color & Texture of Skin & Flesh |
Bloom & Harvest Shape & Size Hardiness |
||
|
Black Twig |
large classic apple shape rich, on the tart side of sweet-tart |
dark red over greenish yellow with some red striping and purply black, prominently dotted; thick, tough skinned cream to pale yellow; texture is very firm and crisp & fine grained; juicy. |
late | late October naturally very large, upright to z4 |
Fresh eating,
culinary, cider Merits: Tree: late blooming protects it from frost damage; tolerates poor soils; reliable bearer; resistant to scab, fire blight, and cedar apple rust. Fruit: excellent keeping ability.
Merit or
fault?: Tree: not well tested in New York State. Fruit: flavor
best after fruit
ripens over several weeks Ratings: B-H: vg; Bull91: 9*; Bull09: vg*; Browning; Bull1897: 7-8/*; FB: R(KM); Hedrick: good |
|
Stayman |
medium to large classic apple shape rich, on the tart side of sweet-tart |
red bloom or stripes over green, prominently dotted; tough, moderately thick skinned greenish yellow; texture is moderately fine, tender, & juicy |
late | late October naturally large, spreading to z5
|
Fresh eating,
culinary, cider Merits: Tree: heavy cropper; resistant to scab and cedar apple rust, very resistant to fireblight. Fruit: does not bruise easily; prized for larger size and sweeter flavor, but other good qualities of Winesap; prized for cider. Faults: Tree: triploid (does not pollinate), unreliably annual; highly susceptible to powdery mildew. Fruit: dull color; quickly browning flesh; subject to cracking. Merit or fault?: Fruit: subject to sweet water core. [provides special burst of flavor, but can lead to decay at core] Ratings: AA: *; AoNY: g/vg; NY1907: _ [Not adapted to New York conditions]; A21: vg; B-H: best; BBG; Browning; Bull99: 8-9X; Bull09: vg?; Can: best; Ragan: vg-b; Waugh: vg; Wilkinson: vg; Y. |
|
medium classic apple shape sprightly, tart |
yellow with red stripes yellow |
mid | late October average height, upright to z4 |
Fresh eating,
culinary, cider Merits: Tree: very hardy (nearly ironclad). Fruit: rich, well blended flavor. Faults: Tree: requires long season. Ratings: a regional favorite that never received national attention. Ragan: listed as Harvey Stripe, but not described nor rated. |
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Virginia
Beauty |
medium to large classic apple shape sprightly, on the sweet side of sweet-tart, complex |
glossy red with distinctive russet "bonnet" at the top; tough skin greenish-yellow, fine grained, tender, juicy, sweet side of subacid. |
mid-late | late October naturally large, somewhat spreading to z5 |
Fresh eating Merits: Tree: bears early; very productive; late blooming protects it from frost damage; bears fruits uniform in size & shape; wide branching limbs; resistant to fire blightand cedar apple rust. Fruit: aromatic, natural gloss gives handsome appearance; does not bruise easily. Faults: Tree: requires long season. Ratings: Bull09: vg_ [ a regional favorite that did not receive national attention; it's not even in Ragan.] Special: who cares about the purported favorites of Tom Jefferson? -- this was the favorite apple of Doc Watson. |
|
King
David |
medium classic apple shape sprightly, sweet-tart, complex |
dark glossy red over hint of green, prominently dotted; tough, thin skinned yellow; texture is crisp, firm, & very juicy. |
mid-late | late October naturally large, roundish to z5
|
Fresh eating,
culinary, cider Merits: Tree: bears early; late blooming protects it from frost damage; bears fruits uniform in size & shape; fruits hang on trees for long time; fruits tolerate fall frosts and mild freezes; very resistant to fireblight. Fruit: natural gloss gives handsome appearance; does not bruise easily; aromatic. Faults: Tree: requires long season. Merit or fault?: Fruit: coarse flesh; subject to sweet water core [provides special burst of flavor, but lead to decay at core]. Ratings: AA: *; NY Bulletin 385 [suppl to AoNY]: g/vg; NY1914: g/+; BBG; Browning; Bull09: gvg*; Lowther: best; Y. |
|
small to medium classic apple shape sprightly,
tart, somewhat astringent, complex |
two shades of deep red over yellow, prominently dotted; tough, moderately thin skinned greenish yellow; texture is crisp, fine, & very juicy. |
mid-late | late Oct
naturally large, spreading to z5
|
Fresh eating,
culinary, cider Merits: Tree: early bearer; fruit hangs well; resistance to scab and cedar apple rust, very resistant to fireblight. Fruit: aromatic; does not bruise easily; prized for its tart, wine-like flavor, especially in cider. Faults: Tree: triploid (does not pollinate); extra thinning required to prevent overbearing. Fruit: quickly browning flesh; fruit subject to small cracking. Merit or fault?: Tree: young trees are reliable & heavy cropper; but decline noticeable in reliability & fruit size as trees age; irregular, straggling growth. Fruit: subject to sweet water core. Ratings: AA: **; AoNY: g/vg; NY1907: _ [Both tree qualities and fruit poor in New York]; AP: good; Baker: PA (20), VA, KY, OH; BBG; BC: nr; B-H: vg; Bull97: 7-8/**; Bull99: 7-8*; Bull09: vg*; Can: vg, commercial value - first class in certain districts, second class as grown in Canada; D: vg; FB: R(DKM); Hooper: 2 to 1; Lear: 9; Lowther: vg; ME94: vg/*; NW: vg; Ont: 7/0/1/3; Ragan: vg; UIll: vg; Waugh: good/high quality; Wilkinson: vg; Y. |
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NOTES Fruit Shape: Flavor: Tree Shape and Size: Dates: Sources for Apple Images: KEY to the sources used for apple ratings: New York Sources: This page written and maintained by John R. Henderson (
orchard @ sagehenfarmlodi.com ). |
