Red Delicious Apple: The Fruit of Knowledge

Malus domestica ‘Red Delicious’

Legend has it that the red delicious was named when its discoverer sent samples of the apple to a commercial nursery in Iowa (back in 1892).  One bite into the apple and the nursery owner exclaimed, “Delicious”! The nursery owner must know a thing or two about tastes, because the red delicious is the country’s most widely planted apple tree. Of more than 2,500 varieties, the crisp, sweet flavor of the red delicious continues to be a favorite.

Here are a few things to note before planting one in your yard.

Environmental Conditions

• Grows well in moist, well drained soils (hardiness zones 5-8). Is not drought tolerant.
• Fast growing tree, growing up to three feet a year and reaching 10-25 feet at maturity.
• Does best in full sun, getting at least six hours of direct sunlight every day.

Physical Attributes

• Blooms pinkish white flowers mid-season.
• Produces medium to large sized dark red apples mid-September to mid-October. Requires a second tree to pollinate and produce the apples. (Compatible with Yellow Delicious, Red Jonathan or Early Harvest.
• Bonus: the apples have a tender, crisp, sweet and mild flavor that are excellent for eating fresh or in baking. Check out our Caramel Apple recipe or Apple Pie Egg Rolls for dessert ideas.

What apple recipes are you making this season? Comment below!