Summerred

Why you should be excited

Summerred  is a dark red early-ripening apple from British Columbia that’s juicy, flavourful and soft-fleshed.

The story of Summerred

If I was introducing a new early-ripening apple variety, I’d likely be tempted to use a word like ‘summer’ in its name. Especially if the town near where I did my apple breeding was called Summerland. Even more likely if one of the new variety's parents was a variety named after this town.

The problem with this approach, though, is that there are already a dozen or more apple varieties with names starting with ‘summer.’ So there’s a risk of getting lost in the shuffle.

Arguably, this may have happened to Summerred, as this is a little known but nice early apple with similarities to one of its grandparents, McIntosh. 

Summerred’s flesh is so nice, it’s been described as ‘sorbet-like.’

Summerred Facts

Its origins

Bred in Summerland, British Columbia, Canada; 1964 introduction.

Flavour, aroma, texture

The soft white flesh is sweet and juicy, with a hint of strawberry flavour. Some say it's vinous.

Appearance

Looks similar to McIntosh, except it's often completely dark red-skinned.

When they’re available

Early season (usually in late August).

Quality for fresh eating

Good.

Quality for cooking

Mainly used for fresh eating.

Keeping ability

Good (up to 2 months when kept refrigerated).