Rome Beauty

Why you should be excited

Rome Beauty is an attractive apple that keeps well and –- unusually –- will grow without any winter chill.

The story of Rome Beauty

We tend to be skeptical of any apple that’s known more for its keeping ability than anything else.

But at least Rome Beauty –- known to some as Red Rome –- also looks great and has the unusual characteristic of being able to produce fruit without any winter chilling. Unlike almost all other apples, this variety does not need to experience a certain number of hours of cold during winter in order to produce fruit the next year.

Which is why you can find Rome Beauty growing in unexpected locations such as Brazil and Indonesia.

Admittedly, this is a mildly flavoured apple that won’t provide its growers – in any country –- with particularly remarkable fruit.

Rome Beauty Facts

Its origins

Grew as a shoot on seedling rootstock in Rome Township, Ohio, USA, around 1817.

Flavour, aroma, texture

The relatively soft flesh is mildly flavoured.

Appearance

A fairly large, deep red-skinned apple.

When they’re available

Late season (usually in mid-October).

Quality for fresh eating

Average.

Quality for cooking

Good.

Keeping ability

Excellent (about 6 months when kept refrigerated).