Baya Marisa

Why you should be excited

Baya Marisa is a modern red-fleshed apple from Germany that’s reputed to be relatively easy to grow and – most importantly – of high eating quality.

The story of Baya Marisa

While the folks marketing Baya Marisa – known in the United Kingdom by the silly name Tickled Pink – will (incorrectly) have you believe this is the first-ever red-fleshed apple of decent eating quality, once you push aside the bafflegab, it is a significant variety.

That’s because it apparently takes the eating quality of red-fleshed apples to new heights, while also delivering fully, impressively red flesh.

The truth is that there have long been good quality red-fleshed apples. Airlie Red Flesh (also known by the trademarked name Hidden rose) is exhibit A. However, we grant that Airlie Red Flesh is only slightly pink and the really red-fleshed apples that have been available (we grow Winekist, and Niedzwetzkyana, for example) are on the acidic side. So, Baya Marisa may be considered significant, if not world-changing.

Bred in Germany, there are high hopes for this variety both for fresh eating and cooking. It is distinctly red-fleshed. It does have lower acid than the other red-red-red fleshed varieties. So Baya Marisa matters.

All that having been said, am I just a stick-in-the-mud for wondering what’s wrong with white or cream-coloured apple flesh?

Baya Marisa Facts

Its origins

Bred in Bavaria, Germany, 2009 introduction.

Flavour, aroma, texture

Firm, juicy and slightly acidic.

Appearance

Medium-sized, bright red-skinned, with white lenticels (freckles)..

When they’re available

Mid-season (in our orchard, we expect mid-September).

Quality for fresh eating

Good.

Quality for cooking

Good.

Quality for cider

Hasn’t been used much yet, but does contribute good colour and some acidity

Keeping ability

Good (about 3 months when kept refrigerated).