— EMPIRE APPLES —
What are they?
 Empire apples are bright red with faint white
striations; its top is capped with a light green blush.
 It is a medium sized apple and round with a creamy
white interior. Its crisp and juicy flesh has a flavor
that is sweet like a Red Delicious and tart like a
McIntosh.
When are they available?
 Empire apples are typically available from
September through March.
What’s so cool about them?
 Empire apples were first developed in the 1940’s at the Agricultural Experiment
Station by Cornell University’s Geneva breeding program. In 1966 they were
introduced to the market place and given their name as homage to the Empire
State they were created in, New York.
 After an apple tree is planted it takes 4-5
years before apples are produced.
 The average apple tree can produce enough
apples to fill 20 forty-two pound boxes.
 The largest apple ever picked weighed three
pounds.
 Next to oranges, apples are the most
valuable fruit grown in the United States.
 To make one gallon of apple cider you need
at least 36 apples.
 There are over 2,500 varieties of apples
grown in the U.S.
Why should I eat them?
 Empire apples are a great source of both
soluble and insoluble fiber, which has been
proven to lower cholesterol and aid in digestion.
 They are low in calories with only 70-80 calories per
apple depending on size. Empire apples also contain
vitamins A and C, most of which is located in the skin.
Last updated November 2, 2016.
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