Apple, McIntosh

Classic Sweet-Tart Apple for Fresh Eating

<p>McIntosh Apple is a classic heritage apple variety known for its tender, juicy texture and distinctive sweet-tart flavor. With its bright red skin, often with green undertones, and aromatic flesh, McIntosh is ideal for fresh eating, sauces, and baking. This early to mid-season apple is a highly productive and cold-hardy choice that performs well in northern climates. McIntosh’s soft flesh breaks down easily when cooked, making it a favorite for sauces and cider, and it brings a unique flavor profile to pies and desserts.</p>
<p><strong>Key Characteristics</strong></p>
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<p><strong>Sweet-Tart Flavor and Tender Flesh</strong>: McIntosh apples have a delightful balance of sweetness and tartness, with a distinctively juicy and aromatic flesh. Their texture softens quickly, making them perfect for sauces, apple butter, and cider, though they’re also enjoyed fresh for their unique flavor.</p>
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<p><strong>Early to Mid-Season Harvest</strong>: Ripening from mid to late September, McIntosh is one of the earlier apple varieties to mature in the fall, offering a flavorful harvest as other apple types start to come into season.</p>
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<p><strong>Cold-Hardy and Productive</strong>: McIntosh is exceptionally cold-hardy and thrives in northern regions, making it a popular choice in orchards where other varieties may struggle. It reliably produces high yields each year, even in challenging climates.</p>
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<p><strong>Smooth, Red-Green Skin</strong>: McIntosh apples are visually appealing, with their bright red skin often blushed with green or yellow highlights. This attractive coloration makes them a favorite in fruit displays and adds charm to any orchard.</p>
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<p><strong>Versatile Culinary Uses</strong>: McIntosh’s unique softening quality when cooked makes it ideal for sauces, where it breaks down to a smooth, creamy texture with little effort. Its aromatic flavor also adds depth to pies, crisps, and cider blends.</p>
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<p><strong>Product Details</strong></p>
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<li><strong>Sun Requirements</strong>: Full sun</li>
<li><strong>Soil Requirements</strong>: Well-drained, loamy soils</li>
<li><strong>Bloom Time</strong>: Mid-spring</li>
<li><strong>Bloom Color</strong>: White to light pink</li>
<li><strong>Fruit Qualities</strong>: Medium-sized, red with green blush, sweet-tart, aromatic, tender flesh</li>
<li><strong>Fruit Uses</strong>: Fresh eating, sauces, baking, cider</li>
<li><strong>Fruit Ripening Season</strong>: Early to mid-season (mid to late September)</li>
<li><strong>Pollination Requirements</strong>: Requires cross-pollination; good partners include Honeycrisp, Liberty, and Cortland.</li>
<li><strong>USDA Hardiness Zones</strong>: 4-8</li>
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<p>McIntosh Apple’s rich heritage, cold hardiness, and balanced flavor make it a beloved choice for home orchards and northern growers, providing a reliable and versatile apple harvest.</p>