Unique Features: The Red Delicious apple originated in Iowa in 1898 and quickly became the most popular apple in the U.S.. It was only recently dethroned by the Gala apple. The fruit is cosmetically very appealing. It has a solid deep red color with a waxy skin which provides a good shine. The fruit is medium to large (up to 4’’across) and heart to vase shaped. The white inner flesh has a slight crunch and crispness, with a mild sweetness. ‘Slight’ and ‘mild’ translate to ‘not much’ and this is the major criticism of the Red Delicious apple. However, the quality of a freshly picked, home grown apple is going to be superior to that of an ethylene ripened, stored and transported apple. The Red Delicious apple tree blooms from mid to late season, making it a good pollinator. The Fuji apple is one of its offspring.  The Red Delicious has strong resistance to Fire Blight.