The Red Delicious apple is one of the most recognizable and widely discussed apple varieties in the world, with a heritage that dates back to the 19th century. However, its journey from a beloved, flavorful fruit to a commercially-optimized product with a reputation for a less-than-stellar taste is a fascinating and complex story of breeding and market demand.
The Surprising Origin of the Red Delicious
Contrary to its perfect, conical appearance today, the Red Delicious started as a chance seedling on an Iowa farm. In 1872, farmer Jesse Hiatt discovered a volunteer apple seedling in his orchard, which he initially considered a nuisance. After repeatedly trying to cut it down, only for it to regrow, Hiatt decided to let it mature. The resulting apple, which he named 'Hawkeye' after his home state, was a striped red-and-yellow fruit with a mild, sweet flavor and excellent storage capabilities.
In 1893, Hiatt entered his 'Hawkeye' apple into a competition held by Stark Brothers Nursery. The nursery’s owner, impressed by the taste, purchased the rights and began marketing it as the 'Stark Delicious'. Years later, to distinguish it from another new variety, the Golden Delicious, the apple was renamed 'Red Delicious'.
The Evolution and Market Dominance of the Red Delicious
For decades, the Red Delicious was a commercial juggernaut, primarily due to its striking crimson color and long shelf life. As it grew in popularity, cultivators began selectively breeding for specific traits, a practice known as propagating ‘sports’. The emphasis was on cosmetic factors that appealed to consumers, such as a deeper, more uniform red color and the classic conical shape with five bumps on the bottom.
This intense focus on appearance, however, had an unintended consequence: it came at the expense of flavor and texture. Later strains of the Red Delicious became known for their thick, waxy skin and often bland, sometimes mealy, flesh. For a long period, especially from 1968 to 2018, it was the most produced apple in the United States, cementing its presence in grocery stores nationwide despite the decline in taste for many consumers.
Comparing Red Delicious to Modern Apple Varieties
| Feature | Red Delicious | Honeycrisp | Fuji | Gala |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Origin | Iowa, USA (1872) | Minnesota, USA (1960s) | Japan (1930s) | New Zealand (1930s) |
| Flavor Profile | Sweet, very mild, minimal acidity. | Sweet, distinctly crisp, and juicy with a balanced flavor. | Very sweet, crisp, with hints of pear and honey. | Mildly sweet and crisp with a light floral note. |
| Texture | Can be crisp and juicy when fresh, but often turns soft and mealy. | Explosively crisp, firm, and juicy. | Crisp and juicy, holds up well. | Fine-grained, crisp, and juicy. |
| Best Use | Snacking, salads, juice blends. | Snacking, salads, baked goods. | Snacking, salads, baking, sauces. | Snacking, salads, baking. |
| Baking Performance | Poor; does not hold shape and becomes mushy. | Good; holds its shape well. | Very good; holds shape and sweetness. | Good; holds shape and flavor. |
The Decline in Reputation and Rise of New Varieties
As consumers became more aware of taste and quality, the Red Delicious’s popularity waned. The rise of new apple varieties, such as the Honeycrisp, Gala, and Fuji, which were specifically bred for superior flavor and texture, further eroded the Red Delicious's market dominance. The Gala apple, for instance, surpassed the Red Delicious as the most produced apple in the U.S. in 2018.
Despite this shift in the domestic market, the Red Delicious apple remains a globally significant variety, particularly in export markets like Mexico and some Asian countries where its aesthetic appeal is highly valued. It also continues to be a crucial genetic component in the breeding programs of new apple varieties.
Conclusion
So, is there a Red Delicious apple? Absolutely. It’s a historically significant variety with a rich, if complicated, legacy. While its flavor may not live up to its name for modern palates, especially when compared to newer, crispier apples, its impact on the commercial apple industry and its journey from Iowa farm novelty to global staple is undeniable. Today, it serves as a fascinating example of how market forces can shape a product's evolution over more than a century.
Here’s a great resource for learning more about the fascinating world of apples: Washington State Apple Commission.
