Prima

Why you should be excited

Prima is a very good fresh-eating apple and one of the earlier disease-resistant varieties to have been introduced.

The story of Prima

There’s no denying the romance of apple varieties that appeared on the scene through happenstance. Especially those with awesome names like Big Cheese, Granny Morgan or Twistbody Jersey.

But let’s not dismiss the merits of fruit developed through the efforts of academics working on breeding the next great apple.

In 1970, the latest addition to this category was Prima, a very nice eating apple that helped organic growers by carrying natural resistance to diseases such as scab, powdery mildew and fireblight.

Perhaps surpassed by later-released disease-resistant varieties, Prima remains a tasty apple that’s particularly popular in home gardens.

Prima Facts

Its origins

Bred in West Lafayette, Indiana, USA; 1970 introduction.

Flavour, aroma, texture

Firm, crisp, fine-grained and tart.

Appearance

Bright red colour over a green-yellow background. Medium-sized.

When they’re available

Mid-season (usually in early October).

Quality for fresh eating

Good.

Quality for cooking

Used mainly for fresh eating.

Keeping ability

Good (3 months or more when kept refrigerated).