EMPIRE
Empire is a classic American apple known for its crisp, juicy, creamy-white flesh and delicious balance of sweetness and tartness. A cross between McIntosh and Red Delicious, Empire combines the aromatic, tangy character of McIntosh with a firmer texture and attractive deep-red coloring.
It is an excellent fresh-eating and snacking apple and is also especially good for salads, applesauce, pies, baking, fresh-cut apples, and freezing.
Empire generally ripens in mid-to-late September, although harvest timing can vary depending on the growing region and season. One of its most useful qualities is that it resists bruising and is slower to brown after being cut, making it a great choice for lunchboxes, apple slices, and fresh displays.
Empire was developed at the New York State Agricultural Experiment Station in Geneva, New York, in 1945 and was introduced commercially in 1966. Its productive trees and good storage ability have helped make Empire a longtime favorite in orchards throughout the Northeast.