Karmijn de Sonnaville

Why you should be excited

Karmijn de Sonnaville may have the most intense apple flavour of all the world's thousands of varieties.

The story of Karmijn de Sonnaville

I read somewhere that Karmijn de Sonnaville is a "relatively unknown" apple variety. Well, we're not so sure about that, but if it's true, we're happy to do our part to shine some light on this awesome modern variety from the Netherlands.

The result of some pretty crafty apple breeding, this 1971 introduction is a gorgeous orange-red flushed apple that sets the standard for fresh eating. Or at least it sets the standard for fresh eating by those who like their apples to possess flavour that knocks your socks off. And that's exactly what Karmijn de Sonnaville does.

Some call it intensely flavoured; others fixate on its acidity. Everyone notices how juicy it is. And nobody considers Karmijn de Sonnaville bland.

Sure, this apple can be lumpy and mis-shapen and growers sometimes grouse about its susceptibility to scab, but if you really love classic apple flavour, you'll not want to miss out on Karmijn de Sonnaville.

It also happens to be an incredible keeper, retaining its flavour and texture (if you keep it nice and chilled, yet humid) all the way into the spring following harvest.

Karmijn de Sonnaville Facts

Its origins

Bred in the Netherlands; 1971 introduction.

Flavour, aroma, texture

Outstanding, intense flavour. Acidic and juicy.

Appearance

Variable shape but pretty colours, with an orange-red flush on a yellow-green background skin colour.

When they’re available

Late season (usually in mid- to late-October).

Quality for fresh eating

Outstanding.

Quality for cooking

Mainly used for fresh eating.

Quality for cider

While it's not particularly known for use in cider, Karmijn de Sonnaville's combination of high acid, high sugar and strong flavour make it a very good cider candidate.

Keeping ability

Very good (up to 5 months when kept refrigerated).