Spartan Apples

Americans think of apples as being the “All-American fruit”. I mean what is more American than apple pie? But today I am going to take a look at an apple variety from north of the border. The Spartan apple was created in the 1920s in Summerland, British Columbia. One of it’s parents is the McIntosh, the other was though to be a Pippin variety, the Newton but genetic testing showed that not to be the case. It has an extremely white flesh just like it’s known parent. It has a nice deep red color with undertones of green and is a small to medium sized apple (good size for kids). It’s said it’s flavor is at it’s peak right off the tree and declines when placed into storage, which doesn’t mean they don’t store well.

My Experience with this Apple (Rating Scale 1-10)
Crispiness: 5
Tartness : 4
Apple Flavor: 6
Sweetness: 6
Juiciness: 6

Overall Feeling: I thought this apple had a lot in common with the McIntosh. It is similar in texture and crispiness. But it is not as tart as the McIntosh and I think it has a better flavor. This apple is good for eating out of hand and would be great in applesauce. Some people like this apple for juice. It’s definitely a multi-purpose apple.

Interested in learning more about apples?