Suntan

Why you should be excited

Suntan is a tasty English fresh-eating apple combining characteristics of Cox’s Orange Pippin and Court Pendu Plat.

The story of Suntan

Highly thought-of for its flavour, which will particularly appeal to those who like a fair whack of sharpness combine with rich apple flavours, Suntan initially had us spooked, as some critics say it is susceptible to disease.

However, these critiques have not matched our own experience over more than a decade of growing Suntan on Canada’s west (wet) coast. In our experience, it is no more susceptible to disease than the average among all the 450-plus apple varieties we grow.

So, those who really enjoy intensely-flavoured apples that pack a nice acid punch and are better after some time in storage might want to follow our lead and grow it despite the critics.

Unlike its truly fussy parent, Cox’s Orange Pippin, which we do find challenging to grow successfully, we do think Suntan is very much worth growing.

Suntan Facts

Its origins

Bred in Kent, England, 1956.

Flavour, aroma, texture

Robustly aromatic, rich, sweet, with pineapple-like acidity.

Appearance

Medium-sized with orange-red and red stripes over a gold background skin colour. Has patches of russet.

When they’re available

Late season (in our orchard, we expect early October).

Quality for fresh eating

Very good.

Quality for cooking

Mainly used for fresh-eating.

Keeping ability

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