APPLE CORTLAND / CORTLAND APPLE

APPLE ‘CORTLAND’ / CORTLAND APPLE

Crisp, Juicy, and Perfect for Fresh Eating or Baking
Apple ‘Cortland’ is a classic, cold-hardy apple variety known for its bright red skin, crisp white flesh, and mildly sweet flavor with a hint of tartness. Unlike many apples, its flesh resists browning after being cut, making it an excellent choice for fresh eating, fruit salads, and baking. This mid-season apple ripens in late September to early October, offering a reliable harvest year after year.

Why Choose Apple ‘Cortland’?

Comparison: ‘Cortland’ is an improved offspring of the famous ‘McIntosh’ apple, sharing its tender texture and juicy bite but with a slightly sweeter, less tangy taste. It also has a firmer flesh, making it ideal for baking, cooking, and cider-making.

Companions: To ensure proper pollination and a bountiful harvest, plant ‘Cortland’ near other apple varieties such as ‘McIntosh,’ ‘Honeycrisp,’ or ‘Empire.’ Bees and other pollinators will help increase fruit production.

Key Features:

Crisp & Juicy Flesh: The snow-white flesh stays fresh longer, making it perfect for slicing into salads or eating fresh off the tree.

Excellent for Baking: Holds its shape well in pies, crisps, and sauces, delivering a rich apple flavor.

Cold Hardy: Thrives in colder climates and is resistant to frost damage, making it a reliable producer in northern regions.

Mid-Season Harvest: Typically ripens in late September to early October, providing fresh apples well into fall.

Disease Resistant: Shows good resistance to common apple diseases like scab and fire blight.

Specifications:

Harvest Time: Late September to early October.
Tree Size: 4.5–6 m tall (standard) | 2.5–3.5 m tall (semi-dwarf).
Hardiness: Zone 4–7.

Apple ‘Cortland’ is a versatile and easy-to-grow variety that delivers crisp, flavorful apples year after year. Whether you enjoy them fresh, baked, or in cider, this apple is a must-have for home orchards and fruit lovers alike.