Red Delicious

Red delicious and cross section

Apple farm Red Delicious hail nets

Red delicious apples

Red Delicious is a variety of apple that was once one of the most popular in the United States. Known for its bright red color and distinctive shape, which is taller than it is wide and features five prominent knobby protrusions at the bottom, the Red Delicious apple has a sweet but mild flavor. It was first discovered as a chance seedling in 1880 by Jesse Hiatt, a farmer in Peru, Iowa. Hiatt originally named it "Hawkeye" before selling the rights to the Stark Brothers Nursery, which renamed it "Red Delicious."

History

The history of the Red Delicious apple is deeply intertwined with the development of American agriculture. After its discovery, the Red Delicious quickly became a favorite in American orchards and households for its appearance and shelf life, rather than its taste. The Stark Brothers Nursery played a significant role in its popularization, marketing it aggressively as a premium apple variety. Over the decades, breeders selected strains that emphasized the apple's deep red color and shelf stability, often at the expense of flavor and texture.

Characteristics

The Red Delicious apple is known for its striking red color, which can range from a light red to a deep, almost burgundy, hue. The skin is thick and the flesh is crisp but can become mealy if the apples are stored for too long. The flavor of Red Delicious apples is sweet and mild with very little acidity, which makes them less favored for cooking but popular for fresh eating.

Cultivation

Red Delicious apples are harvested in the fall. They require a moderate climate for cultivation, with cold winters and warm summers. The trees are prone to a number of diseases and pests, which can affect yield and quality. Despite these challenges, the Red Delicious was extensively cultivated across the United States, particularly in Washington state, which is known for its apple production.

Decline in Popularity

In recent years, the popularity of the Red Delicious apple has declined significantly. This is due to a variety of factors, including changes in consumer preferences towards apples with more complex flavors and textures, such as the Honeycrisp and Fuji. Additionally, the Red Delicious' reputation has suffered due to years of breeding for appearance over taste, leading to a decline in quality. As a result, many orchards have replaced Red Delicious trees with other varieties.

Nutritional Value

Like all apples, the Red Delicious is a good source of dietary fiber and vitamin C. Apples are also low in calories and contain various antioxidants and phytochemicals that can contribute to overall health.

Cultural Significance

Despite its decline in popularity, the Red Delicious apple remains an iconic symbol of American agriculture. It has been featured in art, literature, and advertising, often representing the ideal of an American apple.