Empire Apple

A cross between McIntosh and Red Delicious

The Empire was a popular variety of apple developed by researchers at the New York State Agricultural Experiment Station in 1966.  

These are medium size varieties, first crossbreed in Red delicious and Macintosh  by Lestor Anderson in Cornell University which developed into the Empire, a variety of apple with sweetness of Red delicious and flavour of Macintosh. This apple is a reliable producer which gives fruits well in the whole summer and if kept in proper temperature can stay fresh in winters.These apples require yearly pruning to maintain and it has a crisp texture with white flesh which varies from round to ovate shape.this flesh also contains fibrous area filled black brown seeds.sometimes it is slightly lopsided with irregular, slanted appearance.

 This apple is also classified as Malus domestica in the Rosaceae family. These apples grow on trees 3-4m in height, distributed in the North-eastern United States.these apples can be transported easily and considered to be the most successful variety by American experiment Station Geneva. These plants require sun and loamy well drained soil to grow and cross pollination is performed such that good crops will be produced regularly.

Nutritional Value:

• Source of vitamin C 
• Provide strength to Immune system
• Reduce inflammation
• Boost collagen production 
• Regulate digestive tract 
• Maintain fluid, vitamin and nutrient levels.

These apples are named ‘Empire’ by Dr. Roger in honour of Apple’s home  state of New york. As historians considered this as the nickname of George Washington, he even wrote a letter to council to thank for the honour and described Newyork as the seat of the Empire. These  became very famous and even produced on a small scale in Canada .

Empire apples are used in fresh cooked recipes .It can be sliced and used as salad preparation.These are also kept with lemon to prolong their white appearance  and mixed with oats, grain bowls, fruit dishes.the flesh can be blended with smoothies, chocolate , sweet candy flavour . These are often baked and can also be used for stuffing, can be paired up with strawberries, coconut, pears, cherries.

By- Pragya Joshi

Content Writer (Erakina By RTMN)

19/12/2021