Haralson

Why you should be excited

Haralson is historically important because it was an early-developed variety that can stand up to prairie winters.

The story of Haralson

If you don’t live in a place that has super-harsh winters, then you may have trouble fully appreciating Haralson.

But if you do, then you likely understand how valuable this variety has proven to be. There just aren’t that many apple varieties that can handle 40 below every winter and still deliver quality fruit year in and year out.

This is one, as are its offspring, as Haralson has proven to be a dependable choice for apple breeding at the University of Minnesota.

Its progeny include good old Honeygold, but apparently not – contrary to some conjecture – the highly popular more recent Honeycrisp, which has a fanatical following among lovers of crisp-to-the-point-of-craziness apples.

Haralson Facts

Its origins

Bred in Excelsior, Minnesota, USA, 1959.

Flavour, aroma, texture

A firm, juicy, tangy apple with full, rich, subacid flavour that develops and improves while the fruit is in storage.

Appearance

A rounded, medium-sized apple. The skin has a bright yellow-green background mostly covered by a strong dark-red flush.

When they’re available

Late season (usually in late October).

Quality for fresh eating

Good.

Quality for cooking

Good.

Quality for cider

Very good. Haralson has developed a reputation as a quality cider apple.

Keeping ability

Very good (up to 4 months when kept refrigerated).