Learn about this apple that was discovered in Arkansas, what it tastes like, and what is it best used for.
Last week, I received another package from my friends at Frieda's Specialty Produce. I was super excited to have the chance to try 3 new for me, yet very old varieties of organic heirloom apples grown at Heirloom Orchards in Hood River, Oregon.
The wonderful thing about these 3 varieties - King David, Roxbury Russett, and Orleans Reinette is that they all look and taste different. I couldn't have picked out better 3 better apples to taste together.
The really cool thing about each of these heirloom apple is the history behind them. Each have a story to tell that is captivating and full of American history. History buffs get ready for a blast through American's apple past, starting today with the King David apple!
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📜 History
King David was discovered by Ben Frost in Arkansas in 1839. It was originally promoted in the late 19th century by the Stark Bros Nursery, one of the country's most famous nurseries. It is likely a cross between a Jonathan and a Arkansas Black. The darker red color I have seen on some of these apples does indeed remind of Arkansas Black.
We aren't 100% sure as this was a chance seedling. The trees are able to perform well in warmer southern climates.
🚜 When Are They Harvested?
The King David is harvested around mid October, so it's a later in the season variety. That being said I don't think King David stores that well for ripening that late in the season.
A lot of apples that ripen later can store for months. I found some King David apples at a store in mid November and they weren't very crisp. I don't know how long the apples were sitting on the store display, but just wanted to share my experience. My rating for the apple below is based on when I had them more fresh off the tree.
👅 What Does It Taste Like
Here is my review of this apple. Categories are on a scale of 1-10.
| Crispiness | 7 |
| Tartness | 6 |
| Flavor | 9 |
| Sweetness | 6 |
| Juiciness | 7 |
🍎 What are King David Apples Best For?
This apple had a very fruity taste, similar to a fruit punch drink that isn't too sweet. I found notes of cherry in the flavor with a slightly spicy finish on the tongue. The apple has the perfect balance of sweet and tart. It might be the most perfectly balanced apple I have ever come across! It was crisp and juicy enough to be satisfying. A great apple for out of hand eating, also works well in juice or cider.
🛒 Where to Buy
They don't produce like most commercial varieties, so it's not easy to find. The fun thing about buying heirlooms is that these apples are grown for the flavor, not for how much profit they can bring in. It's a way I really appreciate and admire.
The only store I have ever seen King David in was Central Market in Fort Worth, Texas. They are owned by HEB.
Here are some orchards that grow King David:
- Door Creek Orchard | Cottage Grove, WI
- Rittman Orchards | Doylestown, OH
- Brightonwoods Orchards | Burlington, WI
- Birdsong Orchards | Watsonville, CA
- Nichols Farm & Orchard | Marengo, IL
- Nettle Creek Farm | Vesuvius, VA
- McClure's Orchard | Peru, IN
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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