Quinte

Why you should be excited

Quinte is yet another fine Canadian apple that goes largely unappreciated. This one’s an early-ripener.

The story of Quinte

A pretty apple to be sure, Quinte is typical of early apples in that it needs to be picked at just the right moment and consumed almost immediately in order to convey its best.

Few of us remember just how many excellent apples have come from Canada over the years, ranging from Fameuse, McIntosh, Sandow and Quinte from the east to  Spartan, Shamrock, Silken and Ambrosia from the west.

Bred to ripen nicely in southern Ontario, Quinte is never likely to be a significant commercial apple –- except (strangely enough) in Norway, where it’s been a major player for years -– but it deserves to be appreciated all the same.

Just make sure you harvest and eat it at just the right moment.

Quinte Facts

Its origins

Bred in Ottawa, Ontario, Canada; introduced 1964.

Flavour, aroma, texture

When perfectly ripe, the brilliant white flesh is sweet and scented.

Appearance

The skin is beautifully flushed with pinky-red over a cream-coloured background, usually covered by a darker bloom.

When they’re available

Early season (usually in early October).

Quality for fresh eating

Good.

Quality for cooking

Mainly used for fresh eating.

Keeping ability

Minimal (just a few days when kept refrigerated).