For something a bit different, try Rosette. Slice it it half and you will immediately see how it got its name as a rosette-like pattern of marbled pink flesh is revealed inside. Most of the pink fleshed apples are for show rather than flavour but Rosette kicks that habit, providing you with a refreshing sweet-sharp flavour.
The unusual flesh is not just distinctive in terms of its colour as it also has the benefit in culinary terms of not browning quickly either, so Rosette is a great variety to cut up into chunks and add to a salad.
However, Rosette is probably best of all when pressed as it produces a very attractive pink juice with a perfect sweet-sharp flavour.
Let me know when Rosette apple trees are back in stock.
If you do not hear from us by March you can contact us to pre-order for next autumn.
Rosette has a compact growth habit with good resistance to scab so it a good variety to grow in all parts of the country, including the far north of Scotland. It ripens early in the season and tends to drop 5-10% of its fruit before they are fully ripe so make sure you do not pick the apples too early allowing the sugars to develop their flavour for longer.
Apples are very versatile, and all varieties can be eaten or used in the kitchen. However varieties specifically grown as eating apples tend to have the best flavours for eating raw.
The main thing to decide when choosing an eating apple is when you intend to eat the apples. Early season apples are typically ready in August, and generally don't keep very long. Mid-season apples are ripe in early September, while late-season apples start to become ripe in late September and October. Many of the late-season varieties can also be stored in a fridge or cold shed for several months into the winter.
Some apple varieties are self-fertile, but most are not. However in most areas of the UK you do not need to worry whether your apple trees are self-fertile or not, as there will be other apple trees in nearby gardens to help with pollination.