Florina

Why you should be excited

Florina is an excellent all-round apple from the Continent. That's right, Europe breeds great apples, too.

The story of Florina

Whether you prefer it to go by Florina or its even fancier European name, Querina, you're getting an awesome apple either way.

This is a modern French variety that appeared on the scene in the 1980s and has won over people on the Continent with its sweet, aromatic flavour and crisp, juicy texture. What more could you want in an apple that's mainly for fresh eating?

Florina is a medium-to-large-sized apple. It’s also attractive, featuring purple-red over yellow skin. It ripens in October and will keep for about three months after it's been picked, if you chill it.

From a grower's point of view, Florina is nice because the tree is vigorous and productive and it's resistant to the nasty diseases that lead conventional growers to spray all sorts of chemicals on their trees. Not certified organic growers like us at Salt Spring Apple Company, of course.

Florina Facts

Its origins

Bred in France; 1980s introduction.

Flavour, aroma, texture

Sweet, aromatic flavour combined with a crisp, juicy texture.

Appearance

This pretty apple is medium to large in size, with an attractive purple-red skin colour over its yellow background.

When they’re available

Late season (usually in late October).

Quality for fresh eating

Excellent.

Quality for cooking

Mainly used for fresh eating.

Quality for cider

While it's mainly known as a fresh-eating apple, some cider-makers have enthusiastically included Florina in cider blends, as its sweet and juicy flesh makes it a good cider workhorse.

Keeping ability

Good (about 3 months when kept refrigerated).