Were you aware of it? vol. 19: Sierra Beauty apples

Discovered these at Berkeley Bowl when a man turns to his son and says, "These are the best apples you'll ever have." It's true.


Large, handsome apple with thin green and yellow skin, striped or blushed red. A favorite apple from Boonville, CA. Juicy, very crisp, rich, tart, sprightly flavor. A good seller in farm markets and an excellent keeper.

Generally late blooming. Need full sun, well-drained soil, and moderate fertility. The tree is compact. Unpruned, semi-dwarf trees reach 85% of standard (about 15—25'), but by pruning you can keep your tree to any desired height. Thin fruit to maximize quality and size. Susceptible to codling moth, apple scab, powdery mildew, and gophers. Generally cross-fertile, which means that the variety is not pollinated by itself, but by a different variety of the same fruit. Three or more varieties are best. Harvest 3rd year.

Bloom: Midseason
USDA Zone: 6,7,8,9
Pollination: Self-fertile
Fruit Storage: Excellent
Mature Size: Medium
Ripens: Very Late
Uses: Fresh eating/ dessert, cooking (puree, applesauce, apple butter), baking
Rootstock: Semidwarf

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