Liberty

Why you should be excited

Liberty is a wonderful apple that's good at just about everything. It even tastes better after some time in storage.

The story of Liberty

This is perhaps the best known of all the modern super-disease-resistant apple varieties -- a big deal for those of us growing organically in coastal areas where apple scab and other diseases can run rampant.

Liberty is a U.S. apple bred in upstate New York and introduced to the world in 1980. It's noted for its good flavour, in addition to that remarkable disease resistance.

One of its parents is Macoun, so its grandparents include McIntosh and Jersey Black (the other parent was an unnamed variety from Purdue University's breeding program). So you will not be surprised to know it’s a McIntosh-style apple, with red skin and crisp, moderately juicy flesh.

Liberty's flavour is well-balanced, perhaps sharper than many of the Mac-related varieties, but still with the characteristic vinous note. Best for fresh eating, this is an apple that keeps nicely (about four months when refrigerated).

Liberty makes for a pretty tree, with zillions of blossoms that remind us each spring of how its little applets need to be thinned considerably if we want decent-sized fruit. But small or large, Liberty is an apple worth seeking out.

Liberty Facts

Its origins

Bred in Geneva, New York, USA; 1980 introduction.

Flavour, aroma, texture

Crisp, juicy, sweet. Well-balanced, vinous flavour develops over time spent in storage.

Appearance

Good. Medium-sized fruit with a red blush covering most of the yellow background.

When they’re available

Mid-season (usually in early October).

Quality for fresh eating

Very good.

Quality for cooking

Good. Holds its shape when cooked.

Quality for cider

Good. Widely used in modern ciders from the U.S. northeast.

Keeping ability

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

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