The Controversial History of the Red Delicious Apple
The story of the Red Delicious apple begins in the 1870s on Jesse Hiatt's farm in Peru, Iowa. A chance seedling grew, and despite Hiatt's repeated attempts to chop it down, it kept growing back. He eventually allowed it to mature, and the resulting fruit was so good he named it 'Hawkeye'. In 1893, Hiatt entered his apple into a contest held by Stark Brothers Nursery. Nursery president Clarence Stark, upon tasting it, famously exclaimed, "My! This apple is delicious!" and renamed it the 'Stark Delicious'.
The name 'Delicious' would later be changed to 'Red Delicious' in 1914 to differentiate it from another variety, the 'Golden Delicious', that Stark also began marketing. For decades, the Red Delicious was a sensation, praised for its sweet flavor, crispness, and long storage life. However, its meteoric rise to market dominance would prove to be its undoing.
How Selective Breeding Sacrificed Flavor for Looks
Starting in the mid-20th century, the apple industry underwent a dramatic shift towards mass production and long-distance shipping. The priority for many growers became producing uniform, bruise-resistant fruit that could withstand the rigors of transportation and storage. This led to a focus on certain genetic mutations, known as 'sports,' that produced a more consistently deep crimson red color.
Unfortunately, as explained by food editor Amy Traverso, the genes that coded for the red coloration were linked to the genes responsible for the apple's original, complex flavor. By breeding for a solid red without the original yellow striping, apple growers unintentionally bred the flavor right out of the Red Delicious. Additionally, breeding prioritized thicker skin and mealier, softer flesh to ensure the fruit's structural integrity during shipping, further diminishing its eating experience.
The Resulting Flavor Profile and Reputation
The modern, commercially grown Red Delicious is infamous for its:
- Mild, watery, and often bland taste
- Tough and chewy skin that can be slightly bitter
- Soft, mealy flesh that lacks the original crispness
This reputation has led many consumers to question its legitimacy, but the fact remains that it is a genuine, albeit commercially altered, apple variety. The apples are still one of the most produced in the U.S., though much of the harvest is now for export, where its long shelf-life is highly valued.
Red Delicious Compared to Modern Favorites
To understand just how much the Red Delicious has changed, it is helpful to compare it to some of the popular varieties that have now surpassed it in market share, like the Gala.
| Feature | Red Delicious | Gala |
|---|---|---|
| Origin | Iowa, 1872 (chance seedling) | New Zealand, 1930s (hybrid) |
| Flavor | Mild, sweet, watery; often bland | Sweet, aromatic, and less one-dimensional |
| Texture | Soft, mealy flesh with thick skin | Crisp and firm |
| Cooking | Does not hold up well; best for fresh prep | Versatile; good for eating, sauces, baking |
| Appearance | Deep, uniform crimson red; iconic conical shape | Red and yellow striped; smaller, rounder |
The Lingering Legacy and Nutritional Benefits
Despite its flavor-related decline, the Red Delicious has a lasting impact on the apple world. Its attractive color and crispness made it a desirable parent in breeding programs, contributing to the creation of popular modern varieties like Fuji and Empire. Its deep crimson skin also gives it a higher concentration of antioxidants compared to many other apple varieties.
Ultimately, the Red Delicious is a powerful case study in the consequences of commercial food production prioritizing appearance and durability over taste. While a modern Red Delicious may not live up to its 'Delicious' name for many, it is undeniably a real apple with a fascinating, and somewhat tragic, history. The next time you see one in the produce aisle, remember the apple it used to be and the role it played in shaping the modern fruit industry.
Conclusion: The Reality of the Red Delicious
In the end, the question of "are Red Delicious real apples?" is not about its botanical identity, but its culinary one. It is a real apple variety, but its current commercial form is a far cry from its more flavorful origins. For anyone seeking a delicious apple, exploring the many new and heritage varieties now widely available is a much more rewarding experience. It serves as a reminder that the most beautiful fruit isn't always the most flavorful. Learn more about the rise and fall of the Red Delicious by exploring the story at the New England article.
