Chehalis

Why you should be excited

Chehalis is almost certainly a seedling of Golden Delicious and it’s a lot like its parent, only better.

The story of Chehalis

For an apple that takes so much flak, Golden Delicious sure is related to an awful lot of highly-respected newer varieties.

Consider Chehalis, for example, a variety that appeared by chance in Washington State, just a few hundred kilometres away from our Salt Spring Island orchard.

Likely a seedling of Golden Delicious, this is a very nice apple. Like Golden Delicious, it’s sweet in flavour and yellow-green in skin colour.

The characteristics setting it apart from its probable parent are positive ones: it’s larger, more elongated and – perhaps most important – it’s crisper.

It also tends to have a pretty pink blush on the side of the apple that gets the most sun.

Chehalis Facts

Its origins

Discovered in Oakville, Washington, USA, 1955.

Flavour, aroma, texture

Crisp, cream-coloured flesh is sweet and slightly honeyed. Juicy and melting.

Appearance

A large yellow apple that resembles Golden Delicious, except larger, more elongated and more likely to have a pink blush on the sunny side.

When they’re available

Mid-season (usually in September).

Quality for fresh eating

Good.

Quality for cooking

Good.

Quality for cider

Doesn't have a particular history as a cider apple, but -- like other heritage varieties -- it can contribute positively to cider blends.

Keeping ability

Good (about 3 months when kept refrigerated).