Ontario

Why you should be excited

Ontario is an old apple variety developed in, yes, Ontario, through early Canadian apple breeding.

The story of Ontario

Back when a tendency to bruise easily was not the death knell of an apple variety, Ontario was a much-respected apple in Canada and in Europe, where it was especially valued for juice.

Truly a multi-purpose apple, Ontario was often picked a bit early and used for baking and juice, then – as it ripened and the sugar level increased, as a fresh-eating apple.

A happy-growing tree, although a biennial producer, its also good in the orchard.

However, by today’s standards, the fact that Ontario keeps well in cold storage for months is cancelled out by the fact that it bruises so easily.

Still a fine apple and perhaps the first-ever that was intentionally bred in Canada.

Its parents: Northern Spy and Wagener.

Ontario Facts

Its origins:

Raised in Paris, Ontario around 1820.

Flavour, aroma, texture

Zippy acidity and good flavour, especially in baking.

Appearance

A big, round to flattish apple with purple-red over green skin.

When they’re available

Late season (in our orchard: late September).

Quality for fresh eating

Good, when allowed to fully ripen.

Quality for cider

Very good.

Quality for cooking

Good. Often used in cooking when slightly unripe.

Keeping ability

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