Golden Nugget

Why you should be excited

Golden Nugget is a Canadian-bred apple that was created almost by mistake. And a tasty mistake it was.

The story of Golden Nugget

We’re not entirely sure what a “pollination investigation” is, but it was in the course of one of those that Golden Nugget came to be.

The Nova Scotia researchers who raised the first Golden Nugget seedling in 1932 by crossing Cox’s  Orange Pippin with Golden Russet hadn’t planned to create a new apple variety.

But the resulting fruit tasted so good, the variety was introduced in the mid-1960s.

While it’s never likely to appeal to industrial agriculture due to its small size and significant amounts of russet, we can enjoy Golden Nugget’s rich flavour and appreciate this “pollination investigation” for having added another nice Canadian apple.

Golden Nugget Facts

Its origins

Bred in Kentville, Nova Scotia, Canada; introduced in 1964.

Flavour, aroma, texture

Sugary-sweet, with a rich, luscious, yet mellow flavour. Also crisp and juicy, with a pineapple-like tang.

Appearance

A small, often-russeted apple that's got yellow skin with orange streaks and splashes, plus the russet.

When they’re available

Mid-season (usually in late September).

Quality for fresh eating

Good.

Quality for cooking

Good.

Quality for cider

Golden Nugget is perhaps most highly thought-of as a cider apple.

Keeping ability

Good (about 2 months when kept refrigerated).