Laxton’s Fortune

Why you should be excited

Laxton's Fortune is a nice September apple to bridge the gap between the tart earlies and the great lates.

The story of Laxton's Fortune

Laxton Brothers Nursery was involved in so much apple breeding in England that we can understand why some people add a second word to this variety’s name and others leave it off, given that there are no fewer than 17 variety names listed in our favourite reference starting with “Laxton’s.” 

We call it Laxton’s Fortune and not plain old Fortune simply because we have a completely different variety -- from the United States -- with the one-word version of its name.

Whatever you call it, you get the same solid apple. Usually ready to be harvested in early September, this is a variety that needs to be perfectly ripened to have good flavour. And you won’t want to keep it around for too long once it is ripe, as it’s not a long-keeper.

But for a few weeks there, before those amazing later apples start to appear on the scene, you could do a lot worse than this one.

Laxton's Fortune Facts

Its origins

Bred in Bedford, England; introduced in 1931.

Flavour, aroma, texture

The cream-coloured flesh is sweet, rich, lightly aromatic and juicy.

Appearance

This medium-sized apple is short and roundish. The background skin colour is greenish-yellow or pale yellow, covered with a red flush and short red stripes.

When they’re available

Early season (usually in early September).

Quality for fresh eating

Good.

Quality for cooking

Mainly used for fresh eating.

Quality for cider

Used to provide sugar and bulk to some English commercial ciders.

Keeping ability

So-so (little more than 1 month when kept refrigerated).