Atalanta

Why you should be excited

Atalanta is a small apple/crab-apple hybrid bred by the eccentric and inspired Albert Etter in 1930s California.

The story of Atalanta

The world of intellectual property has added complications to the already mixed-up world of apple variety names.

Back in the day, some varieties were grown in different places and had a unique name in each. Nowadays, marketing and trademarking sometimes achieve the same.

You won’t find mention of Hidden Rose in our information, because the trademark owner won’t permit it unless we pay a fee. So we call it Airlie Red Flesh, its original name.

And then there’s Atalanta, aka Etter 22-17. The former being a trade name and the latter the cataloguing name given by Albert Etter, who bred this little apple/crab-apple hybrid in the 1930s.

It’s small, sweet and tasty and we expect it’ll be a useful contributor to cider, too.

Atalanta Facts

Its origins

Bred in Ettersville, California, USA, 1930s.

Flavour, aroma, texture

Firm, sweet and some say citrusy.

Appearance

Very small, golden-skinned, with pink freckles (lenticels).

When they’re available

Late season (usually in October).

Quality for fresh eating

Good.

Quality for cooking

Makes a tasty jelly.

Quality for cider

Good.

Keeping ability

Unknown.