Glockenapfel

Why you should be excited

Glockenapfel is Europe's ultimate strudel apple, renowned for its value in baking.

The story of Glockenapfel

Old-time bakers in the U.S. revere Wolf River and Esopus Spitzenberg in their pies, Brits feel similarly about Bramley's Seedling and the French crow with pride about Calville Blanc d'Hiver.

In central Europe, the baking star is the distinctively bell-shaped ancient variety Glockenapfel, which remains to this day a favourite in apple strudel in Switzerland, the Netherlands, the Alsace region of northern France and elsewhere.

Tradition and history may be part of Glockenapfel's appeal, but it also doesn't hurt that this fine cooker offers a combination of excellent sweetness balanced with good, sharp acid.

We love regional favourites almost as much as we love strudel!

Glockenapfel Facts

Its origins

The origins of this ancient variety are unknown, except that it comes from central Europe and was widely distributed there by the 19th century.

Flavour, aroma, texture

The combination of strong sweetness and acidity makes this a prized cooker.

Appearance

Bell-shaped, with medium red blush on a green-yellow background.

When they’re available

Late season (usually in mid-October).

Quality for fresh eating

Mainly used for cooking.

Quality for cooking

Excellent, especially in strudel.

Quality in cider

Not particularly known for use in cider.

Keeping ability

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