Did you find a Spartan apple at an orchard or farmers market this year? Learn all about this apple and whether it's worth buying the next time you have the chance.
Americans think of apples as being the "All-American fruit". I mean what is more American than apple pie?
Apples did not originate in the United States thought and neither did the apple variety we are talking about today. The Spartan apple comes to use from north of the border.
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📜 History
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.
🚜 When Are They Harvested?
The apple ripens after the McIntosh in early October, while McIntosh is harvested in early September most places.
Sometimes these apples can be harvested earlier than they are ready. The reason why I got from Liz from Door Creek Orchard. She says that the apple tends to drop off the tree before it's fully ready. So sometimes you may find some that are lacking in flavor and sweetness. If you ever bought them more than 1 and have found them to be inconsistent that this could be a reason why.
🎧 Listen to Liz on my podcast. Episode 174 is about What to Know Before You Go Apple Picking.
👅 What Does It Taste Like
Here is my review of this apple. Categories are on a scale of 1-10.
| Crispiness | 5 |
| Tartness | 4 |
| Flavor | 6 |
| Sweetness | 6 |
| Juiciness | 8 |
🍎 What are Spartan Apples Best For?
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.
Would I buy them again? Yes, I would like to, however I don't think I would buy a lot of them unless I got a sample first to be sure they are tasting good.
This apple is good for eating out of hand and would be great in applesauce. It's a very juicy apple which makes it great for juicing at home. It's also included in blends for apple cider. It's definitely a multi-purpose apple.
🛒 Where to Buy
Here is a list of orchards that grow Spartan apples. A lot of these locations are in Ontario and Wisconsin.
- Door Creek Orchard | Cottage Grove, WI
- Davison Orchards | Vernon, BC
- Albion Orchards | Caledon, ON
- Lapacek's Orchard | Poynette, WI
- MacLaren Orchards | Renfrew, ON
- Red Apple Farm | Phillipston, MA
- County Line Orchard | Hobart, IN
- Martin's Family Fruit Farm | Waterloo, ON
- Afton Apple | Hastings, MN
- Apple-Licious Orchard | Howard, WI
- Grandview Orchard | Antigo, WI
- Vosburgh Orchards | Hudson Valley, NY
- Brightwoods Orchard | Burlington, WI
❤️ More Apples You Will Love
The Spartan apple is a McIntosh type, so any apple on my list of Substitutes for McIntosh apples you will probably like. Some of those apples include:
Macoun is my favorite on that list. It has the best flavor of all McIntosh apples when harvested at it's peak
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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