Fortune

Why you should be excited

Fortune is a modern variety from New York that's got a pleasant spiciness and excellent sweet-tart balance.

The story of Fortune

This high-quality long-keeping apple seems at first glance to be a good old heritage variety. But it's actually a modern introduction, bred in New York State and soon after its introduction, relegated to obscurity by the popularity of one of its parents: Empire.

The Fortune tree grows well, but tends to produce fruit in alternate years (that's called being 'biennial') while also struggling with susceptibility to common apple tree diseases.

Even with those issues, the flavour of the fruit is what wins people over; it's sweet and tart simultaneously, combined with a distinct spiciness. The apples are large and Fortune does well both with fresh eating and in baking.

Just don't confuse this variety with Laxton's Fortune...

Fortune Facts

Its origins

Bred in Geneva, New York, USA; 1995 introduction.

Flavour, aroma, texture

The crisp, cream-coloured flesh has a spicy flavour and a nice balance of sweetness and tartness.

Appearance

Large and round, with a greenish background mostly covered with burgundy red.

When they’re available

Late season (usually in late October).

Quality for fresh eating

Good.

Quality for cooking

Good.

Quality for cider

Not generally viewed as a cider apple.

Keeping ability

Very good (3 or 4 months when kept refrigerated).