Learn all about this apple variety that is well known through the Midwest but got it's start in Idaho. Find out what this apple is good for.
There is a group of apples when I first started learning about varieties that were among the first local ones I was able to try.
The Ida Red apple is one of them.
I may not give them as much attention as I did in the past as I am always looking for new varieties but I didn't want to forget some of the classics in my life.
📜 History
When you think of Idaho and farming, I bet the first thing that comes to your mind is potatoes. Idaho is certainly known for their spuds. But what you might not know is that they are also the birthplace of the Ida Red apple.
This apple which was born from combining the well known Jonathan with the lesser known Wagener
I have seen them harvested as early as the end of the end of September to the beginning of October, but the optimal time would be mid-October. They should be allowed be off the tree for 10-14 days before the optimal time to eat them. That brings us past most u-pick season. If you pick a lot of them feel free to keep them in your fridge for a bit until they are at their peak.
👓 Appearance
The apple has red rosy colored skin with a yellow-green color in the areas of the apple not hit by direct sun. On the inside the flesh is a bright white color.
⭐ Ratings
Here is what I thought when I had this apple for the first time.
| Tart | 7 |
| Sweet | 4 |
| Juiciness | 6 |
| Flavor | 7 |
| Crispiness | 6 |
This is one of my favorite baking apples. It has a nice flavor and a good amount of acidity. I love using them to make fried apples. They would also be a great additional to a pie. I worked once for Zingerman's Bakehouse in Ann Arbor, MI and they used local Ida Red apples in their pies.
The apple can also add tartness and flavor to applesauce. I would mix with some sweeter apples like Gala or Golden Delicious.
I don't really like to eat these apples out of hand. The ones I picked directly from the trees in years past have been too tart for me to just eat them as is.
Eating Tips - Ida Red stores really well. It will last for months in the fridge. You can buy them when they are freshly harvested in early fall and they will still be great for using for a Thanksgiving apple pie. They can even last into winter! For more on getting how to know when an apple is perfect to eat, check out this post
🛒 Where to Buy
Here are all the locations that I know of. Sometimes you may find them in a grocery store but mostly they are a common one to find at orchards and u-pick farms. Make sure to leave a comment below if you know any additional stores or orchards.
- Johnston Fruit Farm (Swanton, Ohio)
- Wasem Fruit Farm (Milan, MI)
- Tuttle Orchards (Greenfield, IN)
- Apple Holler (Sturtevant, WI)
- Marker Miller Orchards (Winchester, VA)
- Soergel Orchards (Wexford, PA)
- Branstool Orchards (Utica, OH)
- Meijer stores
- Stop & Shop stores
- Riveridge Produce (Michigan distributor)
🍎 Give These Apples a Try
Here are some other apples you will want to check out
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.
Jeffrey Soons
Soons Orchards in New Hampton, NY has been growing Idared since 1960 and still does. They are open allnyear with Udared available for nine months. They are harvested in mid-October so I wouldn't call them an early fall variety. They are best after being stored 10-14 days
Eric Samuelson
Thanks so much Jeffrey for the additional information. I have seen them harvested earlier in some places but as you said waiting until later in October would be best. I updated the post to share some of the info you did. Thanks again!