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USDA Pomological Watercolor (1886–1942)· Arnold, Mary Daisy ca. 1873-1955 artistSource ↗

Red Delicious

Malus domestica Borkh. Borkh.

Dessert

Introduced

1870

Origin

Iowa, United States

Red Delicious is an American dessert apple from Iowa, first developed around 1870 as a chance seedling originally called "Hawkeye." Unmistakable for its dark red colour, distinctly conic shape, and characteristic bumps on the bottom, it offers a sweet and mild flavour best enjoyed fresh. The variety is poorly suited to cooking or cider production and was widely marketed under its current name starting in 1914.

Flavor & Texture

sweetmild

Best Uses

fresh_eating

4 historical watercolors from the USDA Pomological Watercolor Collection (1886–1942) included in the gallery above. Public domain.

Lineage

Offspring

Empire Fuji Jonalicious Sekai-Ichi Toyo Hawkes Bay Red Delicious Criterion Averdal Jonadel Lancraig Cameo Sonya Early eating apple `Or`Apple `Tomer`

Sports

Red delicious apple tree--Jenred cultivar (Ace strain)

Where to Pick

Behling's OrchardOrleans County
U-Pick
Apple Barrel OrchardsYates County
U-Pick
Abers AcresChautauqua County
U-Pick
Blackman Homestead FarmNiagara County
U-Pick
G&S OrchardsWayne County
U-Pick
Roanoke OrchardsGenesee County
U-Pick
Smith's Orchard Cider MillNiagara County
U-Pick
Whittier Apple FarmChautauqua County

Origin & History

Origin type: chance seedling

Disease Resistance

Fire blight: moderately resistant

Cornell Apple Variety Database.

References

UK National Fruit Collection: 5019
Wikidata: Q2117265