Vanderpool Red

Why you should be excited

Vanderpool Red is a an old western U.S. apple that’s little known but an excellent winter keeper.

The story of Vanderpool Red

You know you’re dealing with an obscure apple variety when you can’t even find its name spelled consistently.

Is this Vanderpool Red or Van Der Pol? Van Der Pool? The closest thing to a consensus we’ve found is the spelling we’re now using.

And it’s not just the name that’s hard to nail down; there’s also a dearth of information about this apple’s characteristics. We do know it was discovered more than a century ago in Oregon and that it’s a sweet little red apple that’s good eating all the way from November after harvest through until the following April. It even stays juicy after time in storage.

That may be all we need to know, as those are the makings of a likeable variety, to be sure.

Vanderpool Red Facts

Its origins

Discovered in Benton County, Oregon, USA, 1903.

Flavour, aroma, texture

The crisp, white flesh is firm, flavourful and juicy. It's also mildly subacid.

Appearance

This red-skinned apple is small to medium in size and conical in shape.

When they’re available

Late season (usually in late October).

Quality for fresh eating

Good.

Quality for cooking

Mainly used for fresh eating.

Keeping ability

Excellent (up to 6 months when kept refrigerated).