SPARTAN
Spartan is a beautiful, dark-red McIntosh-type apple known for its crisp, juicy, snow-white flesh and wonderfully aromatic sweet-tart flavor. Its flavor is often described as having hints of strawberry, melon, and wine, giving it a little more complexity than a traditional McIntosh.
Spartan is primarily an excellent fresh-eating and snacking apple, but it can also be used for applesauce, juice, cider, salads, and baking, although its flavor is generally considered best when eaten fresh.
Spartan typically ripens in mid-to-late September through early October, depending on the growing region, making it a wonderful apple for the heart of the fall harvest season. One of its most interesting qualities is its history: Spartan was developed at the Dominion Experimental Station in Summerland, British Columbia, and introduced in 1936 as one of the earliest apples produced through a formal scientific breeding program.
It is generally considered a cross between McIntosh and Yellow Newtown Pippin, although the exact parentage has been questioned by later genetic research. Spartan is also a good keeper compared with many McIntosh-type apples and can remain in good condition for several months when properly refrigerated.