Criterion

Why you should be excited

Criterion is a top-quality all-round apple that's excellent for fresh eating, baking and even in cider.

The story of Criterion

Once upon a time, all apple varieties were the product of chance, as a new variety came on the scene every time an apple fell to the ground and one of its seeds sprouted.

But only about one out of every 10,000 seedlings proves to be a tasty new variety. The odds are long, but with literally millions of new varieties appearing each year, some of them were going to be great.

This why, even after centuries of careful intentional apple breeding - the other kind , where a person intervenes to make sure the pollen of one selected variety gets into the flower of another - chance seedlings are still some of the best.

And here’s an example: Criterion comes from a chance seedling in Washington State, with Red Delicious, Golden Delicious and Winter Banana as close relatives. It offers crisp, white flesh that resists browning and is equally good for fresh eating, baking and in cider.

A chance seedling and a very nice apple.

Criterion Facts

Its origins

Discovered in Parker, Washington, USA, 1960s.

Flavour, aroma, texture

Crisp white flesh is tart, tangy and juicy.

Appearance

A fairly large, tall apple that's shaped a bit like Red Delicious. It's skin is yellow with a red blush - which sometimes covers most of the apple.

When they’re available

Late season (usually in October).

Quality for fresh eating

Very good.

Quality for cooking

Very good.

Quality for cider

Has received some favourable reviews for its contributions to cider blends.

Keeping ability

Good (2 or 3 months when kept cold).