Alkmene

Why you should be excited

Alkmene is a German apple that was a long time in becoming available to the rest of the world, but has proven to be worth the wait.

The story of Alkmene

Events in Germany during the 1930s and 1940s were, of course, so catastrophic one can hardly expect apple breeding to have taken a high priority. Yet it did not stop entirely.

Which may explain how a most pleasant apple variety like Alkmene could have first appeared on the scene in Germany during the ‘30s but not be introduced to the rest of the world until 1962. 

Known as Early Windsor in the U.K., this fine apple is one of many descendants of the great Cox’s Orange Pippin, capturing some of the outstanding flavour of Cox, but without its finicky, disease-susceptible characteristics.

Widely grown in Europe, Alkmene is an apple well worth the wait and definitely worth trying.

Alkmene Facts

Its origins

Bred in Muncheberg, Germany; 1962 introduction.

Flavour, aroma, texture

Crisp, juicy flesh. Rich, aromatic, honeyed flavour.

Appearance

This medium-sized roundish apple has a greenish-yellow background flushed with orange-red and striped in red.

When they’re available

Mid-season (usually in late September).

Quality for fresh eating

Good.

Quality for cooking

Mainly used for fresh eating.

Quality for cider

Not widely used in cider, but has been found useful in adding acid to cider blends.

Keeping ability

So-so (1 or 2 months when kept refrigerated).