Esopus Spitzenberg

Why you should be excited

Esopus Spitzenberg, in addition to having a cool name, is one of the best fresh-eating apples in existence.

The story of Esopus Spitzenberg

Classic fresh-eating apples from the U.S.A. don’t get any more classic than this.

Discovered in the Colony of New York sometime before the American Revolution, this delicious apple gained early fame in 1790 when Thomas Jefferson ordered a dozen trees for his orchard.

During the 19th century, Esopus Spitzenberg was widely grown in the United States and the prime choice for apple pie. Despite unfortunate susceptibility to just about every disease that plagues apple trees, ‘Spitz’ is considered a connoisseur’s fresh-eating apple, with rich flavour and an eye-catching orange-red skin colour.

And with a name like that, who could possibly resist this memorable heritage variety?

Esopus Spitzenberg Facts

Its origins

Discovered in Esopus, New York, USA, circa 1770.

Flavour, aroma, texture

Hard, crisp, juicy, yellowish flesh yields a rich, aromatic flavour.

Appearance

Distinctive and eye-catching, this is a brilliant orange-red apple with gray spots.

When they’re available

Late season (usually early November).

Quality for fresh eating

Excellent.

Quality for cooking

Good.

Quality for cider

Considered to be useful in adding aromatics to cider blends.

Keeping ability

Very good (up to 4 months when kept refrigerated).