Summerland

Why you should be excited

Summerland is a British Columbia-bred apple with famous parents: McIntosh and Golden Delicious.

The story of Summerland

This may not be a famous apple in other places, but folks on Salt Spring Island who know their apples remember this one – also known as Summerland Red Mac or Summerland Mac. It's a champion, having been chosen more than once by taste-testers at Salt Spring’s lovably rustic Fall Fair as the island’s most flavourful apple.

Every taste test gives an advantage to varieties perfectly ripe at the time of the tasting, so its victory tells us as much about what’s most ready to eat in the third week of September on Salt Spring as it does about the Summerland apple.

All the same, repeated high ratings must tell us something about this Mac-like favourite.

Summerland Facts

Its origins

Bred in Summerland, British Columbia, Canada in 1926; introduced in 1969.

Flavour, aroma, texture

The brisk flavour of this apple's juicy, crisp flesh has been compared to raspberry.

Appearance

This shortish red/green apple looks a lot like its parent, McIntosh.

When they’re available

Mid-season (usually in early October).

Quality for fresh eating

Good.

Quality for cooking

Mainly used for fresh eating.

Keeping ability

Good (2 or 3 months when kept refrigerated).