NY18491

Why you should be excited

NY18491 is a variety bred in upstate New York that never got named, despite its excellent qualities.

The story of NY18491

Yes, NY118491 does seem a lot more like the name of a sci-fi movie robot than a tasty apple variety. Of course, every variety that's the result of intentional breeding starts out with a moniker that's equally unromantic.

Given that breeding programs generally produce dozens -- if not hundreds -- of new varieties and then whittle them down to a chosen few considered worth naming, there's nothing unusual about NY18491. Except for the fact that some folks disagree with the conclusion of the decision-makers at Geneva, New York, who decided that this variety lacked commercial potential.

So it's being propagated here and there, stuck with the unromantic non-name, but winning over folks who taste it.

NY18491 Facts

Its origins

Bred at Geneva, New York, USA, mid-20th century.

Flavour, aroma, texture

Crisp, with strong flavour nicely balancing sweet and sharp.

Appearance

Your basic red apple.

When they’re available

Mid-season (usually in September).

Quality for fresh eating

Very good.

Quality for cooking

Mainly used for fresh eating.

Quality for cider

Not particularly known for use in cider.

Keeping ability

Very good (about 4 months when kept refrigerated).