Acme

Why you should be excited

Acme is a 20th century English apple that’s much better than you might expect, given its generic name.

The story of Acme

To children of the 20th century – especially those who watched the Road Runner do battle with Wile E. Coyote over and over again in television cartoons – the word 'acme' is synonymous with ‘generic.’ Many of us only saw the word when Mr. Coyote took delivery of his latest tool intended to eliminate Road Runner, which, of course, always failed miserably.

Yet, even with the preponderance of companies given the name 'acme,' apparently mainly to enhance their placing in alphabetical listings long before the internet changed everything, knocking the Yellow Pages from its pedestal of importance., ‘acme’ actually is derived from the Greek word for ‘the peak.’ So its use suggests high quality, not generic at all.

That'll probably be news to Road Runner fans, among others.

And this fine English apple, likely the offspring of Worcester Pearmain and Cox’s Orange Pippin, is anything but generic. From its crisp texture to its juiciness and rich flavour, there’s plenty here to like.

In fact, we wonder why Acme - the apple, not the word - isn’t better known.

Acme Facts

Its origins

Raised from a seed in Boreham, Essex, England in 1944.

Flavour, aroma, texture

The firm and creamy flesh is crisp and has a rich, fruity flavour.

Appearance

The yellowish-green roundish fruit is flushed and striped with red.

When they’re available

Mid-season (usually in early September).

Quality for fresh eating

Good.

Quality for cooking

Mainly used for fresh eating.

Quality for cider

Not known as a cider apple, but we use it in our heritage European blend that’s the starting point for our Golden Harvey cider.

Keeping ability

Good (3 months or even longer when kept refrigerated).