Empire is a McIntosh/Jonathan type apple that has very high dessert quality.  It is also good for baking and is an excellent cider apple.  It is medium sized, with round red fruit that are firm and shiney.  The flesh is creamy white, crisp, juicy and flavorful.  It is a hardy annual producer and somewhat self-fertile.  Thin well for larger size.  Ripens in mid-September.

Empire was introduced from the New York State Ag Experiment Station in Geneva in 1966, but was bred around 1945.  It is well known in New York, Michigan and the midwest and east as one of the best eating apples, however its smaller size has limited its market somewhat.  Often used for "taffy" or caramel apples!

Empires set loads of apples, so thin agressively for larger size.  It has a somewhat spur-habit, but is a vigorous tree that is easy to grow.

Height

12-15

Spread

10-15

Zone

4-7

Color

Bright red

Categories

Apple--- Hardy Varieties, 

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