Learn about another green apple that is very different from a Granny Smith. Find out what Shamrock apples taste like, when to buy, and where to find them.
When people see a green colored apple, most would assume it's a Granny Smith. I haven't had a lot of other apples that were a true green color, even when ripe. Don't be fooled, the green apple you see pictured on the left is not a Granny Smith, but a Shamrock apple.
📜 History
This apple is relatively new on the scene, only first appearing in 1992 as a cross between a McIntosh spur and a Golden Delicious spur. It's origin is in Summerland, British Columbia.
Shamrock apples are harvested in late September.
👓 Appearance
The apple is mostly green with some red blush on apples that got more sunlight on them. The apples is a medium sized apple that is mostly round in shape. You may find some brown russetting around the stem like you can see with a Golden Delicious.
RELATED - Learn about other apples varieties that are green besides Granny Smith.
⭐ Ratings
Here is what I thought when I had this apple for the first time.
| Tart | 4 |
| Sweet | 6 |
| Juiciness | 8 |
| Flavor | 6 |
| Crispiness | 4 |
Well it may have the appearance of a Granny Smith, it doesn't necessarily taste like one. The Shamrock apples I had were more sweet than tart.
The apple is said to combine the best characteristics of its parents in that it has the flesh of a McIntosh and the sweetness of the Golden Delicious. I can agree with that assessment.
The flavor was slightly above average. It is a juicy, but not that crisp.
It does hold it's shape though when cooked. You could probably get away with using less sugar in baking applications. I made fried apples with these and found that I should have used less sugar, but they did hold up really well.
Eating Tips - Shamrock apples are best enjoyed not long after harvest. They will get soft within a month or so I have found. It's best to store them in the fridge. For more on getting how to know when an apple is perfect to eat, check out this post
🛒 Where to Buy
I first found these apples at my local Whole Foods Market. Unfortunately the orchard that provided them is no longer in business. I did later on find them at the Toledo Farmers Market sold by Witt's Orchard. I only found a few options online. If you have seen this apple elsewhere, please leave a comment below.
- Witt's Orchard (Oak Harbor, Ohio)
- Salt Spring Apple Company (Salt Spring Island, British Columbia)
- Champlain Orchards (Shoreham, Vermont)
🍎 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.
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