APPLE SPARTAN / SPARTAN APPLE

APPLE ‘SPARTAN’ / SPARTAN APPLE

Crisp, Sweet, and Great for Fresh Eating
Apple ‘Spartan’ is a crisp and sweet variety, known for its bright red skin and smooth, juicy flesh. This early-season apple is a cross between ‘McIntosh’ and ‘Red Delicious,’ combining the tartness of ‘McIntosh’ with the sweetness and deep red color of ‘Red Delicious.’ With a balanced flavor and firm texture, ‘Spartan’ is perfect for fresh eating, fruit salads, and light baking. It ripens in mid-to-late September and stores for a few weeks, making it a great option for fall harvests.

Why Choose Apple ‘Spartan’?

Comparison: ‘Spartan’ offers a well-rounded balance of sweetness and tartness, similar to ‘McIntosh,’ but with a firmer texture that holds up better in fresh preparations and light baking. It’s a great choice for those who enjoy a sweet, crisp apple.

Companions: Plant alongside varieties like ‘Honeycrisp,’ ‘Cortland,’ or ‘Empire’ for good cross-pollination and a healthy crop.

Key Features:

Balanced Sweet-Tart Flavor: Combines the sweetness of ‘Red Delicious’ with the tartness of ‘McIntosh,’ creating a refreshing and satisfying taste.

Firm, Crisp Texture: Offers a crunchy, juicy bite, making it a great choice for fresh eating and fruit salads.

Good for Light Baking: While best for fresh use, it can hold its shape in pies and crisps without becoming too soft.

Mid-Season Harvest: Ripens in mid-to-late September, bringing an early fall crop.

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

Specifications:

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

Apple ‘Spartan’ is a fantastic apple for fresh eating, fruit salads, and light baking. Its balanced flavor, firm texture, and sweet-tart profile make it a great choice for both beginners and seasoned apple growers.