Red Baron Apple
Flavor Profile
- Juicy, crisp texture that holds its shape when baked, making it an excellent choice for pies.
- Mild, balanced sweetness with subtle acidity; versatile for fresh eating and baking.
Appearance
- Medium-sized, round fruit with smooth, glossy skin; typically red-blushed over a green-yellow ground.
- Creamy-white flesh with a firm, juicy bite.
Harvest & Storage
- Ripens in mid-season (late September in cooler climates).
- Storage life: approximately 4–5 weeks under cool conditions (32–40 °F); best consumed early to maintain texture and flavor.
Tree Characteristics
- Cold hardy to Zone 4
Disease Resistance & Care
- Highly resistant to apple scab; moderately resistant to fire blight, rust, and mildew.
- Standard pruning and thinning recommended to optimize fruit size and air circulation.
Pollination
- Self-sterile; requires cross-pollination with other mid-season apple varieties (e.g., Honeycrisp, McIntosh).
Origin & Heritage
- Developed at the University of Minnesota Horticultural Research Center, first bred in 1926.
- Selected as Minnesota 1500 in 1940 by Professor W.H. Alderman and released commercially in 1970.
- Parentage: Golden Delicious × MN8701.
