RubyFrost Apples
Estimated Inventory, lb : 0
Description/Taste
RubyFrost apples are quite beautiful, with a rich, red colored skin that is moderately thick. They tend to be round in shape. The texture of RubyFrost is crisp and juicy, while the mild flavor is balanced between refreshingly tart and sweet. The flavor improves after a few weeks in storage, which is why this variety is actually picked in the fall and stored for several weeks before being released to market in the winter. RubyFrosts have been compared to Cortland and McIntosh apples. The tree is easy to cultivate, and the apples remain on the tree when ripe.
Seasons/Availability
RubyFrost apples are available in the winter.
Current Facts
The RubyFrost apple is a modern variety of Malus domestica developed by Cornell University’s breeding program and marketed by Crunch Time Apple Growers in New York state. RubyFrosts are overall an excellent apple, and are easy to grow and harvest. The trees grow well in upstate New York, where RubyFrost was originally bred. This apple’s parentage includes the Braeburn and Autumn Crisp varieties. RubyFrost is closely related to another variety developed at the same time by Cornell, the SnapDragon.
Nutritional Value
Apples contain a host of great nutrients, including Vitamin C, potassium, boron, and various phytochemicals. They also contain about one-fifth of the daily recommended value of dietary fiber, key for keeping the digestive and cardiovascular systems healthy. Apples have no fat, sodium, or cholesterol, and very few calories.
Applications
The RubyFrost is a fairly versatile apple, good for fresh eating, baking, and sauces. Because of their high vitamin C content, they are slow to brown when cut open, making them a good choice for salads, snacks, and other fresh uses. Bake them into pies or tarts paired with classic apple flavors such as cinnamon, nutmeg, and nuts—this variety will retain its shape and flavor when baked.
Ethnic/Cultural Info
Although most apples throughout history have been created when a farmer discovers a chance seedling, more modern varieties go through a rigorous scientific breeding process. Scientists are constantly looking for apples that are disease and drought resistant, taste great, and are easy to ship and market. When breeding apples such as RubyFrost, breeders cross various varieties and plant the seeds in the resulting apples. Sometimes thousands of seeds may be planted to test. After waiting several years for the trees to bear fruit, researchers determine if any have produced high-quality apples that they would like to continue growing. RubyFrost was one of these seedlings that passed the test at the Cornell University breeding program, and has finally made it to market.
Geography/History
Like several other apple varieties, RubyFrost is the result of a breeding program at a university. This particular variety was developed by Cornell University during a 17-year-long process. Farmers first planted RubyFrost in 2011. Since its first appearance on the market in 2014, many apple farmers have grown this variety in upstate New York. Sales of RubyFrost have increased year after year.
