America’s favorite apple for at least the last 50 years! Red Delicious was discovered in Iowa – certainly not a major apple-producing state – in the 1880s.  It was the winner of a contest to replace the Ben Davis apple, one of America’s favorites then.

At about the same time, its counterpart the Golden Delicious apple was discovered in Virginia and also released commercially by Stark Nurseries, in about 1914.

Red Delicious apples earn their name with a full-flavored sweet taste and a juicy, crisp texture when fresh.  Color varies from striped red to a solid midnight purplish-red, and the skin is often thick.

This variety is most popular for fresh snacks, but are also excellent in salads and salsa.  It has been recognized in 2005 health studies for high levels of antioxidants.