Summer Rambo

Why you should be excited

Summer Rambo is an old French apple variety still with a following in the U.S. south that's got a classic 'heritage' look.

The story of Summer Rambo

Apples sometimes tell us as much about our cultures as they do about our taste buds.

Take Summer Rambo, for example. Here's an apple variety that came from France but never appealed to apple lovers in the nearby United Kingdom, even though it was grown there as far back as 1665.

But Summer Rambo also made its way to the United States and -- despite folks there usually having tastes similar to those in the U.K. -- became a huge hit in the Colonies. In fact, Summer Rambo remained highly popular in the U.S. until the early 20th century.

Why was it ignored by the Brits and loved by folks in the U.S.A.? Something to do with where it came from and the geopolitics of the day, perhaps?...

Summer Rambo Facts

Its origins

Discovered in Rembures, Picardy, France, early 17th century.

Flavour, aroma, texture

The greenish-yellow flesh is tender, breaking, fairly coarse and juicy. The flavour is mildly subacid.

Appearance

Medium to large in size and roundish. Its yellow background is mottled with pinkish-red and striped with carmine

When they’re available

Mid-season (usually in late September).

Quality for fresh eating

Good.

Quality for cooking

Good (some people harvest it early for baking and applesauce).

Keeping ability

So-so (less than 1 month when kept refrigerated).