This apple is called cool, crisp, and cravable. How does the New York grown RubyFrost apple compare to other apples available in the winter?
On the national stage, Washington grown apples simply dominate the market. Go and try to find a grocery store not carrying any Washington grown apple.
New York is also a big apple producer. Although outside of the state I had not been seeing a lot of New York grown apples in stores. That is until more recent years when the SnapDragon and the topic of today's post the RubyFrost apples were released. They have found their place among the Washington grown apples in many grocery stores.
📜 History
Unlike most of the new apples to hit the market place in recent years, RubyFrost wasn't created by crossing a Honeycrisp with another apple! I know, hard to believe. The parents of this apple are Braeburn and Autumn Crisp (another New York apple variety). It was developed by the breeding program at Cornell University. Empire and Jonagold are two other apples that are the works of their hands.
The apple was first harvested in 2011. I have been able to find them on the shelves every year over the last few years.
RELATED - Look for another New York grown apple called the SnapDragon.
👓 Appearance
If you love a pretty, bright red apple, then this is the apple for you. The apple is mostly red. Some are nearly all red. Most have some yellowing right on top with a few streaks down the sides. It's more red than a Honeycrisp, but not as red as the Red Delicious (yuck!). RubyFrost in general is an average size apple. Not as big as some of those monster sized Honeycrisp!
⭐ Ratings
Here is what I thought when I had this apple for the first time.
| Tart | 6 |
| Sweet | 5 |
| Juiciness | 7 |
| Flavor | 5 |
| Crispiness | 9 |
The apple is refreshingly crispy and juicy. The flavor is more tart than sweet, not what you see a lot in new apple varieties. However that flavor isn't very pronounced. I don't find it interesting at all. Just a step above bland. I given the apple several chances and I just am not the much of a fan. My daughter likes it more than me.
It has a more balanced flavor.
My tart apple loving daughter
If I was given a choice between this one and Cornell University's other apple the SnapDragon, I would definitely go with SnapDragon. Even the worst SnapDragon is at least as good as RubyFrost.
Shopping Tips - If you want larger apples look for them being sold by the pound. If you want smaller apples look the bags. You get about 6 apples in a 2 pound bag. 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 where you search for RubyFrost to give it a try yourself.
- Acme
- Bashas'
- BJ's
- Central Market
- Copps
- Costco
- Foodtown
- The Fresh Market
- Hannaford Market
- Hen House
- King Kullen
- Kings
- Krasdale
- Metro Market
- Price Chopper
- Safeway
- Schnucks
- ShopRite
- Sprouts
- Tops Friendly Market
- Wegmans
- Weis
🍎 Try These Apples
Here are some other apples I think you may like
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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