Crispin (Mutsu) Apples: History, Identifying Characteristics, Taste & Cultivation

The Crispin Apple, also known as Mutsu (Malus domestica ‘Mutsu’), is a celebrated apple variety renowned for its large size, vibrant green-to-yellow coloration, and refreshing sweet-tart flavor. Originating in Japan and popularized in the United States, this cultivar, a cross between Golden Delicious and Indo, is prized for its crisp texture, juiciness, and versatility in … Read more

Jonathan Apples: History, Identifying Characteristics, Taste & Cultivation

The Jonathan Apple (Malus domestica ‘Jonathan’) is a classic American heirloom apple, cherished for its glossy red coloration, crisp texture, and vibrant sweet-tart flavor. Originating in the United States, this versatile cultivar has been a staple in orchards and kitchens for over a century, prized for its suitability in fresh eating, baking, and cider production. … Read more

Northern Spy Apples: History, Identifying Characteristics, Taste & Cultivation

The Northern Spy Apple (Malus domestica ‘Northern Spy’) is a legendary heirloom apple variety, revered for its vibrant red-and-green coloration, firm texture, and bold sweet-tart flavor. Originating in the United States, this late-season cultivar is a favorite among apple enthusiasts for its exceptional performance in pies, cider, and fresh eating. Known for its large size, … Read more

SweeTango Apples: History, Identifying Characteristics, Taste & Cultivation

The SweeTango Apple (Malus domestica ‘Minneiska’), a modern apple cultivar, is celebrated for its explosive crunch, vibrant sweet-tart flavor, and striking red-and-yellow coloration. Developed by the University of Minnesota, SweeTango is a cross between the iconic Honeycrisp and Zestar!® apples, inheriting the crisp texture of its Honeycrisp parent and the zesty, spiced notes of Zestar!®. … Read more

Empire Apples: History, Identifying Characteristics, Taste & Cultivation

The Empire Apple (Malus domestica ‘Empire’) is a beloved modern apple variety renowned for its deep red coloration, crisp texture, and well-balanced sweet-tart flavor. Developed in New York, this cultivar is a cross between two American favorites, McIntosh and Red Delicious, combining the best traits of both to create an apple that excels in fresh … Read more

Gravenstein Apples: History, Identifying Characteristics, Taste & Cultivation

The Gravenstein Apple (Malus domestica ‘Gravenstein’) is a revered heirloom apple variety, cherished for its vibrant green-and-red coloration, crisp texture, and bold tart-sweet flavor. With origins tracing back to Europe, this cultivar has become a beloved staple in North America, particularly in California, where it’s celebrated for its exceptional culinary versatility in pies, sauces, and … Read more

Ambrosia Apples: History, Identifying Characteristics, Taste & Cultivation

The Ambrosia Apple (Malus domestica ‘Ambrosia’) is a modern apple variety celebrated for its glossy, bi-colored appearance, crisp texture, and exceptionally sweet, honeyed flavor. Discovered in Canada, this cultivar has quickly risen to prominence for its low acidity, slow-browning flesh, and versatility in fresh eating and culinary applications. Named after the “food of the gods” … Read more

Rome Apples: History, Identifying Characteristics, Taste & Cultivation

The Rome Apple (Malus domestica ‘Rome’), often called the “baker’s apple,” is a time-honored American cultivar celebrated for its deep red coloration, firm flesh, and mild, sweet-tart flavor. Originating in Ohio, this heirloom variety has been a cornerstone of American orchards for over a century, prized for its exceptional performance in baked goods like pies, … Read more

Cortland Apples: History, Identifying Characteristics, Taste & Cultivation

The Cortland Apple (Malus domestica ‘Cortland’) is a quintessential American apple variety, cherished for its striking red-and-green coloration, crisp texture, and versatile sweet-tart flavor. Developed in New York, this heirloom cultivar has been a favorite for over a century, prized for its resistance to browning, making it ideal for fresh eating, salads, and cooking. With … Read more

Jonagold Apples: History, Identifying Characteristics, Taste & Cultivation

The Jonagold Apple (Malus domestica ‘Jonagold’) is a beloved apple variety celebrated for its large size, vibrant coloration, and well-balanced sweet-tart flavor. A modern cultivar developed in the United States, Jonagold combines the best traits of its parent varieties, Golden Delicious and Jonathan, making it a versatile choice for fresh eating, baking, and cooking. With … Read more