APPLE MCINTOSH / MCINTOSH APPLE

APPLE ‘MCINTOSH’ / MCINTOSH APPLE

Classic, Soft, and Perfect for Sauces and Baking
Apple ‘McIntosh’ is a timeless variety known for its soft, juicy texture and tart-sweet flavor. With its pale pinkish-red skin and tender white flesh, it’s a favorite for making applesauce, pies, and apple butter. Its flavor is tangy and refreshing, but the flesh breaks down quickly when cooked, making it ideal for recipes that require soft, smooth consistency. Ripening in late September, ‘McIntosh’ is a reliable early fall apple that stores for a short period but is always a go-to for those classic apple dishes.

Why Choose Apple ‘McIntosh’?

Comparison: ‘McIntosh’ is softer and more tart than apples like ‘Golden Delicious’ or ‘Gala.’ Its flesh tends to break down easily when cooked, making it a staple for applesauce and baking, unlike crisper apples that retain their texture in pies.

Companions: For cross-pollination, plant alongside varieties like ‘Empire,’ ‘Cortland,’ or ‘Honeycrisp’ to ensure healthy fruit production.

Key Features:

Soft, Tender Flesh: Its delicate texture makes it ideal for recipes where a smooth, cooked apple consistency is desired.

Tart-Sweet Flavor: The balanced sweet-tart flavor gives it versatility in both savory and sweet dishes.

Perfect for Baking & Sauces: Its ability to break down quickly makes it perfect for applesauce, pies, and cobblers.

Early Harvest: Ripens in late September, marking the start of the fall apple season.

Short Storage Life: Best enjoyed fresh or used for cooking within a few weeks of harvest.

Specifications:

Harvest Time: Late September.
Tree Size: 4.5–6 m tall (standard) | 2.5–3.5 m tall (semi-dwarf).
Hardiness: Zone 4–8.

Apple ‘McIntosh’ remains a classic choice for those who love its soft, tangy flavor in cooking and baking. It’s a must-have for making homemade applesauce, pies, and other apple-based treats, perfect for fall harvests.