Learn about the apple that is commonly referred to as the "yellow Gala". Find out what it tastes like, how it compares to other yellow apples, and hear about how this variety that has a special significance for our family.
📋 What's New In This Post (9/20/26) - Updated my story with this variety along with the list of orchards it is available at. Added more comparisons.
The Apple That Became a Family Tradition
The 2013 Michigan apple season was one that I was really looking forward to. The season before was one of the worst in state history. Early springtime high temperatures led to the trees blooming early and then when the cold snaps came, the blossoms were killed. Many orchards were left apple-less. It was so incredible sad to hear story after story of crop loss. So after a year of very few apples I couldn't wait to get out and pick some apples again.
We decided to take our kids to the west side of the state to pick apples (and peaches) at Fruit Acres Farm. Not only did my kids get to have fun on a wagon ride through the orchard, they got a big surprise - their grandparents from Southern California showed up to completely surprise them.
I wanted to go to this orchard besides because we could pick peaches and apples on the same trip, but also also excited to try a new apple called Blondee. I have always been a sucker for yellow apples, so I couldn't wait to bite into a new one.
Here is a picture taken from the pleasant September afternoon.
We all fell in love with this apple and picked one of them to bring home. Every year since it has been an apple that I have sought out no matter where in the country life had taken us. When we stayed in Elk Ridge, Utah for 10 ½ months back in 2023-2024, we lived right near an orchard that grew these apples.
When we arrived in Oregon, I was excited to see the apples on the list of varieties grown by Kiyokawa Family Orchards, up near Mt. Hood. In 2026, they were kind enough to make sure I got some by sending them to the Oregon City Farmers' Market. I even got a fellow shopper to get excited about trying the variety as well.
Our family tradition of having this apple variety every fall continues. It has become even more meaningful after my father in law lost his battle with ALS in 2021.
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History of Blondee Apples
This apple was discovered by Tom and Bob McLaughlin of Portsmouth, Ohio. No genetically modified apple here. The apple arose from a natural mutation that came from a Gala apple tree. It was discovered around the year 2000. It is great to see even with modern apple breeding techniques that we will still gets these chance occurrences that happen in one orchard and then it gets shared with so many people. Thanks to the McLaughlins for sharing this variety with the world!
🎧 If you want to learn more about history of this apple and its future outlook, check out my episode of the Apples from Yesterday to Tomorrow podcast, where I talk about Blondee. Don't forget to subscribe so you don't miss any of the episodes and my weekly What Apple to Eat Today newsletter.
When are They Harvested?
Blondee apples tend to ripen close to when Gala apples ripen. They can be ready in late August to early September depending on the location of the orchard. I have always gotten them in the 1st half of September.
They aren't the best storage apple. I find that after a few weeks, they can start getting softer than I would like. I have never seen one outside of the apple harvesting season.
What Do They Taste Like?
Here is my review of Blondee apples (Rating Scale 1-10)
| Crispiness | 7 |
| Tartness | 5 |
| Apple Flavor | 7 |
| Sweetness | 7 |
| Juiciness | 8 |
A wonderful early season apple! A good crunch and juicy. It has really good flavor with some floral notes in the very best apples. One of the best yellow apples I ever had.
How Do Blondee Apples Compare to Golden Delicious Apples?
The most common yellow apple when I was growing up is the Golden Delicious. And it is still probably the most widely grown one, even if you don't see them in stores like you used to. So naturally I have to compare the Blondee to the Golden Delicious.
I think the Blondee apples have more flavor and are more firm, even when comparing them to the most fresh Golden Delicious apple. Golden Delicious ripen later, so I typically don't get a chance to try them both at their peak.
There are a few other yellow apple varieties that are harvested around the same time. Golden Supreme is one that in some years I have liked as much or more than Blondee. Ginger Gold comes out a bit earlier, but I find those to be more hit or miss than Blondee in terms of flavor and texture. Hawaii is another yellow apple I have had at the same time as Blondee. Those apples I really don't find to have that much flavor to them after giving them several chances.
If you are interested in learning more about yellow apple varieties, you need to read my post - 26 Types of Yellow Apples.
Are Blondee Apples Good for Cooking or Baking?
I tested them out in some mini pies I made. They baked nicely. They were able to hold their shape. I don't think cooking them really enhances their flavor, but they aren't a bad option if you have some on hand.
They work really well for adding more sweetness to an applesauce. I like to mix them with McIntosh apples for a well balanced applesauce. Blondee apples are one of the apples on my The 26 Best Apples for Applesauce Without Sugar list.
I would also like to point out that they are slow to brown or oxidize. This makes them a great apple to cut up for a salad or a cheeseboard.
Where to Buy
Blondee apples have become a popular variety for small orchards to grow, but I haven't really seen them grown on a large commercial scale. Here is a list of orchards that I have either been to or have heard that grow Blondee apples.
- Kiyokawa Family Orchards (Parkdale, OR)
- Fruit Acres Farm (Coloma, MI)
- Witt Orchards (Oak Harbor, OH)
- Allred Orchards (Elk Ridge, UT with store in Provo, UT)
- Mackintosh Fruit Farm (Clarke County, VA)
- McDougal Orchards (Springvale, ME)
- Steffens Orchards & Market (Sparta, MI)
- Fuhrmann Orchards (Wheelersburg, OH)
- Tuttle Orchards (Greenfield, IN)
- Kauffman Orchards (Bird-in-Hand, PA)
- B.J. Reece Orchards (Ellijay, GA)
- Three Springs Fruit Farm (Aspers, PA)
- Alpine Ridge Orchard (Brooklyn, WI)
- Barthel Fruit Farm (Richfield, WI)
- Haney's Appledale Farm (Nancy, KY)
- Kooistra Orchards (Twin Lake, MI)
- Lincoln Line Orchards (Smithville, Ontario)
- Wilson's Orchards & Farm (Iowa City, IA)
Have you tried this apple? What did you think? Leave a comment below telling us. Be a helper and share where you found it. You may make someone's day with your insider info on where to get them! If you are a true apple lover, you'll want to check out all of our apple reviews.
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