Brock

Why you should be excited

Brock is a modern U.S. apple that combines the genetics of McIntosh and Golden Delicious in a multi-purpose apple.

The story of Brock

We refer to Brock as a modern apple because it was introduced to the world in 1966 (the older we get, the farther back we tend to consider as ‘modern’). However, Brock was bred much earlier than that – back in the 1930s – at the University of Maine.

So it was a long wait from germination to introduction as a commercial variety. This actually happened to a fair number of apple varieties that were bred well before the Second World War but not released as named varieties until some years (or even decades) after the war was over.

While it has never really grabbed a lot of attention and you'll not likely see it for sale anywhere other than a few farm stands and farmers markets here and there, Brock is a very serviceable apple variety, striking a nice balance between the vinous flavour of a Mac and the sweetness of Golden Delicious and working quite nicely both for fresh eating and baking. These are all desirable qualities, to be sure.

Admittedly, though, in a world with thousands of apple varieties and just a few that make it to grocery store shelves, adjectives like ‘serviceable’ and ‘nice’ don’t tend to bring a variety to prominence.

Brock Facts

Its origins

Bred in Monmouth, Maine, USA; 1966 introduction.

Flavour, aroma, texture

Firm, crisp and mildly sweet and distinctive. McIntosh-like.

Appearance

A medium to large apple with pinkish-red skin colour over a cream-yellow background.

When they’re available

Late season (usually in late October).

Quality for fresh eating

Good.

Quality for cooking

Good.

Quality for cider

Not particularly known for use in cider.

Keeping ability

Good (2 to 3 months when kept refrigerated).