Shamrock

Why you should be excited

Shamrock is an attractive green apple with the texture of a Mac and the sweetness of Golden Delicious.

The story of Shamrock

What makes the ideal match in apple breeding is a matter of taste.

Imagine combining the best features of your two favourite apples… that’s what breeders are trying to accomplish. So if the soft, melting flesh of a McIntosh is your thing and you also love the seemingly endless sweetness of the Golden Delicious, then the breeders at Summerland, British Columbia have done you a huge favour.

They did so by coming up with Shamrock, which looks like a Granny Smith, but is otherwise its total opposite, with the Mac’s soft flesh rather than the Granny’s hard and Golden Delicious’ sweetness rather than Granny’s sharpness.

For those who love soft and sweet, this is an apple to seek out.

Shamrock Facts

Its origins

Bred in Summerland, British Columbia, Canada; 1986 introduction.

Flavour, aroma, texture

Sweet and honeyed, with soft, cream-coloured flesh.

Appearance

A pretty, medium-sized green apple.

When they’re available

Mid-season (usually in late September).

Quality for fresh eating

Good.

Quality for cooking

Mainly used for fresh eating.

Keeping ability

Good (3 or 4 months when kept refrigerated).