Sundance

Why you should be excited

Sundance is a U.S.-bred late-season apple that looks good, tastes good and keeps really well.

The story of Sundance

The co-operative efforts of Purdue, Rutgers and Illinois Universities in the United States have resulted in a prodigious number of very nice apple varieties being introduced over the past five decades or so, almost all of them highly disease-resistant.

The sixteenth variety on that list is Sundance, a pretty Golden Delicious-like apple that counts that sweet variety as one parent.

The other is an unnamed variety that has Winter Banana, McIntosh and Rome Beauty among its ancestors -- not bad heritage varieties to use as a starting point.

The tree is disease-resistant, the apple is attractive and tasty and the effort was clearly well worthwhile.

Sundance Facts

Its origins

Bred in West Lafayette, Indiana, USA; 2005 introduction.

Flavour, aroma, texture

Crisp, fairly juicy flesh has little aroma but a spicy, citrus flavour.

Appearance

This large greenish-yellow apple sometimes has an orange-red blush.

When they’re available

Very late season (usually in November).

Quality for fresh eating

Good.

Quality for cooking

Mainly used for fresh eating.

Keeping ability

Excellent (up to 7 months when kept refrigerated).