Brogan

Why you should be excited

Brogan is a little known 20th century southern U.S. apple that’s considered excellent for fresh eating.

The story of Brogan

Even today, a few folks are intentionally creating new varieties of apples the old fashioned way: by planting apple seeds and waiting to see if they hit the one in 10,000 jackpot with a new variety that actually tastes good.

That’s where Brogan came from, raised in Tennessee by a fellow of that name, who planted a seed from an apple grown by his father in Virginia, just to see how it might turn out. And it turned out well, indeed.

In fact, Brogan was an apple of sufficient quality to inspire some to think it might become widely planted commercially. Marketed in the 1980s as an outstanding fresh eating apple, Brogan reminds people of the southern stalwart, Black Twig and the once much-loved (before it was rendered flavourless by sitting in grocery store bins months past their prime) Red Delicious.

We say this variety is definitely worth a try.

Brogan Facts

Its origins

Raised from a seed in Knox County,Tennessee, USA, mid-20th century.

Flavour, aroma, texture

Firm and juicy, with an appealing strong apple flavour.

Appearance

Deep red in colour, shaped similarly to Red Delicious.

When they’re available

Late season (usually in late October).

Quality for fresh eating

Very good.

Quality for cooking

Mainly used for fresh eating.

Quality for cider

Not particularly known for use in cider.

Keeping ability

We'll let you know when we find out.