Fameuse

Why you should be excited

Fameuse is an historic apple that played a key role as an ancestor to the McIntosh and many other varieties.

The story of Fameuse

You might know this old Canadian apple as Snow. Even if you don’t know it, you almost certainly know some of the apples that have Fameuse as one of their ancestors.

Begin with McIntosh and then think of all the Mac progeny, the children of children and so on. Start with Cortland, Empire, Fireside, Liberty, Macoun, Priscilla, Pristine, Spartan and Tydeman's Early Worcester to name just some examples of descendants that are growing in our orchard.

Fameuse is also known for the perfect whiteness of its flesh and the delectable flavour that was the McIntosh’s starting point.

Nobody knows if this apple came to Canada as a seed or as a cutting from a French tree, so you may want to debate whether or not it really is Canadian. But we do know – for sure – that Fameuse is a classic apple with an awesome history and connections to many other varieties, old and new.

Fameuse Facts

Its origins

Discovered in Quebec, Canada, sometime before 1730.

Flavour, aroma, texture

Soft and melting snow-white flesh. Intense perfume. Sweet, crisp, juicy. Some people note a mild strawberry-like flavour.

Appearance

A small apple with deep red-coloured skin.

When they’re available

Mid-season (usually in early October).

Quality for fresh eating

Very good.

Quality for cooking

Mainly used for fresh eating.

Quality for cider

A useful cider apple, long used in Quebec ciders, as well as some from the U.S. northeast.

Keeping ability

Good (about 2 months when kept refrigerated).