Varieties of Apple from New York

Although most people are familiar with how tasty and healthy apples are as a treat or snack, fewer people are aware of the interesting history that accompanies many varieties of this delightful fruit. New York, as one of the foremost apple producing states, has been the home of numerous varieties of apple. This article, the first in a series, will describe some of the varieties of apple that originated in New York.

Empire

This apple, although a bit smaller than some other varieties, is nevertheless a very sweet and tasty apple with a very firm skin that makes it a great choice for fresh eating. This variety of apple is believed to have originated from a cross between a Red Delicious and a McIntosh and was named in 1966 at the New York State Agricultural Experiment Station in Geneva, New York.

Northern Spy

If you are looking for an older variety of apple that nevertheless has a very good flavor, then be sure to try the Northern Spy. Although most prefer to use this apple in the baking of pies, it can also make a fine eating apple. They are thought to have originated in the 1800s (perhaps as late as the 1870s) as a chance seedling in East Bloomfield, New York.

Jonagold

This larger variety of apple has a firm, orange-red, firm/juicy skin and a sweet-sour flavor that makes it a perfect choice for eating or for baking. Like many apples that come from New York, it originated at the New York State Agricultural Experiment Station and is thought to be a cross between Golden Delicious and a Jonathan. Although they are currently more popular in Europe, they are becoming increasingly popular in the United States as well.

Cortland

This New York variety of apple has proven consistently popular as both an eating and a cooking apple. With its red skin and its white flesh (that takes a great deal of time to brown, thus making it suitable for salad). This apple is the result of a cross between a Ben Davis and a McIntosh, and was originally named in 1915.

Whatever variety of apple that you decide on, rest assured that these varieties of apple originating in New York are guaranteed to please and to make a delightful meal. Whether served in a pie or a salad, or just eaten by hand, these varieties of apples have consistently proven that they deserve to be preserved.