Empire

Empire is a cross between McIntosh and Red Delicious and takes on the best characteristics of both. It is redder and firmer than McIntosh, and because it stores longer it provides the marketplace with a McIntosh-type apple well into the spring. Some claim that Empire's flavor, like fine wine, improves during storage. It combines the mild tartness of McIntosh with full-flavored Red Delicious sweetness. In 1989, 24 leading international apple researchers were polled as to what they considered the 10 best apple varieties in the world, and they ranked Empire No. 7. It is excellent for eating out of hand, in salads and for use in baking and cooking. It is becoming a favorite in the United Kingdom, which imports much of its supply from Michigan. Demand for Empires is steadily growing in the United States as well.

Available: Early to Mid-August

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