Red Dougherty

Why you should be excited

Red Dougherty is a sport of the Australian apple Dougherty, which was originally discovered in New Zealand.

The story of Red Dougherty

Even with all the human effort invested in breeding apples of high quality, some of the best varieties happen by fluke, when a genetic quirk causes a particular tree -- often just one branch -- to do something different that proves desirable.

Take Red Dougherty, a variety that appeared on the scene just that way in New Zealand early in the 20th century.

Dougherty was an Australian apple grown for export to the United Kingdom. When the fruit of one tree planted in Twyford, New Zealand proved to be more highly coloured -- and therefore more attractive -- than the rest, this variation -- known as a 'sport' -- had arrived and soon won great favour.

And so Red Dougherty was born.

Red Dougherty Facts

Its origins

Sport of the Australian variety Dougherty, discovered in Twyford, New Zealnd. Introduced in 1930.

Flavour, aroma, texture

A sweet apple with little acidity.

Appearance

A stout, roundish apple with a greenish-yellow background flushed and striped with red.

When they’re available

Late season (usually in late October).

Quality for fresh eating

Good.

Quality for cooking

Mainly used for fresh eating.

Keeping ability

Very good (about 5 months when kept refrigerated).