Swayzie

Why you should be excited

Swayzie is an excellent russet apple with good flavour that’s best to eat sometime in mid-winter.

The story of Swayzie

Here’s a great example – one of many you can find – of an apple that’s highly desirable in so many ways, but couldn’t possibly make the grade as a major commercial variety, at least not in today’s world.

Strike number one is obvious at first glance: Swayzie is a russet apple, with that scratchy cinnamon-coloured stuff covering a goodly proportion of its surface.

Strike two: Swayzie trees are not super-productive, which is an absolute no-no in the world of industrial agriculture. It really doesn’t matter how good the apple may be in every other way.

Do we need a third strike to understand Swayzie’s fate?

This is a great apple to enjoy, regardless of what ‘they’ might think.

Swayzie Facts

Its origins

Discovered in New York State, USA; introduced in 1872.

Flavour, aroma, texture

Aromatic and sprightly, this apple has rich, distinctive flavour. It's also crisp and juicy.

Appearance

There's plenty of cinnamon-coloured russet in spots and streaks over the skin of this otherwise golden-yellow apple.

When they’re available

Very late season (usually in late October or early November).

Quality for fresh eating

Very good.

Quality for cooking

Mainly used for fresh eating.

Keeping ability

Good (3 months or more when kept refrigerated).