Apple, Wolf River

The Wolf River apple is an heirloom variety famed for its enormous size, mild flavor, and excellent cooking qualities. Originally from Wisconsin in the 19th century, this hardy apple is perfect for northern climates and is often chosen for baking due to its soft, creamy texture when cooked. Wolf River apples have pale yellow-green skin blushed with red and ripen in late September to early October. Their mild, subtly sweet flavor makes them perfect for applesauce, pies, and baked dishes, especially since they hold their shape and texture well in the oven. Known for its impressive size, a single Wolf River apple can weigh up to a pound, making it a showstopper in the orchard or market.

Key Characteristics

• Exceptionally Large Size
  Wolf River apples are renowned for their size, often weighing up to a pound each. This impressive size makes them ideal for baking whole or as a standout feature in markets and home orchards.

• Mild, Sweet Flavor for Cooking
  With a gentle, sweet flavor and low acidity, Wolf River apples lend themselves beautifully to baked goods, especially pies and sauces, where their delicate taste complements spices and sweeteners.

• Soft, Creamy Texture When Cooked
  Known for softening and developing a creamy texture when cooked, Wolf River apples are a baker's delight, adding smoothness to applesauce, pies, and crumbles without losing their shape.

• Late-Season Harvest and Cold Hardiness
  Ripening in late September to early October, Wolf River is well-suited to colder climates and is resistant to many common apple diseases, making it an easy-care choice for home orchards.

• Historical Heirloom with Character
  As a heritage apple, Wolf River brings a touch of history to any orchard, prized for its adaptability, unique appearance, and excellent baking qualities that have been appreciated for generations.

Product Details

• Sun Requirements: Full sun
• Soil Requirements: Medium, well-draining
• Bloom Time: Mid to late season (April to early May)
• Bloom Color: White to pink
• Fruit Qualities: Mildly sweet, very large, creamy texture when cooked, red-blushed skin
• Fruit Uses: Baking, sauces, fresh eating, storage
• Fruit Ripening Month: Late September to early October
• Required Chill Hours: 800-1,000 hours
• Pollination Partners: Honeycrisp, Gala, Liberty
• USDA Hardiness Zones: 3-8

Wolf River apples are an outstanding choice for northern growers and those looking for a large, heirloom apple ideal for baking, offering unique size, flavor, and versatility in the kitchen.