Summerfree
Summerfree is a variety of apple that is known for its late summer ripening and its resistance to common apple diseases. It was developed by the Zaiger Genetics company, a renowned fruit breeding company based in Modesto, California.
History[edit | edit source]
The Summerfree apple was first bred in the late 20th century by Zaiger Genetics, a company known for its innovative fruit breeding techniques. The goal was to create an apple variety that could withstand the heat of the summer months and resist common apple diseases such as apple scab and powdery mildew. The result was the Summerfree apple, which has since become a popular choice for growers in warmer climates.
Characteristics[edit | edit source]
The Summerfree apple is medium-sized with a round shape and a smooth, shiny skin. Its color is a deep red with a slight purple hue. The flesh is white, crisp, and juicy, with a sweet-tart flavor that is reminiscent of the McIntosh apple.
One of the key characteristics of the Summerfree apple is its disease resistance. It is highly resistant to apple scab and powdery mildew, two common diseases that can severely affect apple crops. This makes it a popular choice for growers who want to reduce their use of chemical pesticides.
Another notable characteristic is its ripening time. Unlike most apple varieties, which ripen in the fall, the Summerfree apple ripens in late summer. This allows growers to extend their apple harvesting season and provides consumers with fresh, locally grown apples earlier in the year.
Cultivation[edit | edit source]
Summerfree apples are best grown in USDA hardiness zones 5-8. They require full sun and well-drained soil. The trees are semi-dwarf, reaching a height of about 12-15 feet. They are self-pollinating, but can benefit from cross-pollination with other apple varieties.
Uses[edit | edit source]
Summerfree apples are versatile and can be used for a variety of culinary purposes. They are excellent for eating fresh out of hand, but also hold up well when cooked. They can be used in pies, tarts, sauces, and other baked goods. Their sweet-tart flavor also makes them a good choice for cider making.
See also[edit | edit source]
Search WikiMD
Ad.Tired of being Overweight? Try W8MD's physician weight loss program.
Semaglutide (Ozempic / Wegovy and Tirzepatide (Mounjaro / Zepbound) available.
Advertise on WikiMD
WikiMD's Wellness Encyclopedia |
Let Food Be Thy Medicine Medicine Thy Food - Hippocrates |
Translate this page: - East Asian
中文,
日本,
한국어,
South Asian
हिन्दी,
தமிழ்,
తెలుగు,
Urdu,
ಕನ್ನಡ,
Southeast Asian
Indonesian,
Vietnamese,
Thai,
မြန်မာဘာသာ,
বাংলা
European
español,
Deutsch,
français,
Greek,
português do Brasil,
polski,
română,
русский,
Nederlands,
norsk,
svenska,
suomi,
Italian
Middle Eastern & African
عربى,
Turkish,
Persian,
Hebrew,
Afrikaans,
isiZulu,
Kiswahili,
Other
Bulgarian,
Hungarian,
Czech,
Swedish,
മലയാളം,
मराठी,
ਪੰਜਾਬੀ,
ગુજરાતી,
Portuguese,
Ukrainian
Medical Disclaimer: WikiMD is not a substitute for professional medical advice. The information on WikiMD is provided as an information resource only, may be incorrect, outdated or misleading, and is not to be used or relied on for any diagnostic or treatment purposes. Please consult your health care provider before making any healthcare decisions or for guidance about a specific medical condition. WikiMD expressly disclaims responsibility, and shall have no liability, for any damages, loss, injury, or liability whatsoever suffered as a result of your reliance on the information contained in this site. By visiting this site you agree to the foregoing terms and conditions, which may from time to time be changed or supplemented by WikiMD. If you do not agree to the foregoing terms and conditions, you should not enter or use this site. See full disclaimer.
Credits:Most images are courtesy of Wikimedia commons, and templates, categories Wikipedia, licensed under CC BY SA or similar.
Contributors: Prab R. Tumpati, MD