Northern Spy Apple

Historic flavor. Hardy roots. A cider-maker’s favorite.

Northern Spy (also known as Northern Spice or Northern Pie Apple) is a late-season classic with deep roots in American orchard history. First grown in East Bloomfield, NY around 1800, this storied variety is now beloved by cider makers and home growers alike for its crisp texture, bold flavor, and rugged cold-hardiness.
The tree itself is large, vigorous, and hardy to zone 4—and often zone 3 with care. Its upright, tip-bearing form produces long, gangly limbs that arch gracefully under the weight of fruit. Though slow to bear, Northern Spy rewards patience with heavy crops that require thinning to maintain quality and avoid biennial swings. It’s immune to wooly apple aphid, shows slight resistance to fireblight, and while susceptible to other apple diseases and bitter pit, its natural vigor helps it thrive. Late bloom time means careful pollinizer selection is key.
The fruit is large, round, and slightly flattened, with greenish-yellow skin striped and blushed in soft pink. Inside, the yellow flesh is fine-grained, crisp, juicy, and tender. Its flavor is intensely tart and aromatic, balanced by a syrupy sweetness that makes it a standout for fresh eating, baking, and especially cider. It ferments into a clean, minerally cider with excellent character.
Whether you’re planting for flavor, history, or resilience, Northern Spy is a time-tested treasure with a name as bold as its bite.