The name says it all: CRIMSON + CRISP! CrimsonCrisp apples are a beautiful deep-red variety with a firm, crunchy texture and a refreshing sweet-tart flavor. If you like an apple that gives you a satisfying CRUNCH with every bite, this is one you’ll want to seek out in the orchard.
CrimsonCrisp is a modern American apple variety developed through a cooperative apple-breeding program involving Purdue University, Rutgers University, and the University of Illinois. The variety was selected for qualities including good flavor, attractive red color, disease resistance, and excellent crispness. CrimsonCrisp was introduced as part of a new generation of apples designed to combine great eating quality with traits that are useful for growers. In other words, it’s an apple that looks good, tastes good, and has some impressive qualities behind the scenes!
CrimsonCrisp apples are typically medium-sized with deep crimson-red skin. Their rich red coloring makes them particularly eye-catching in the orchard, especially when the apples are hanging against green leaves. Inside, the flesh is creamy white and firm, with the kind of structure that gives the apple its signature crunch. The skin may have subtle striping or lighter areas, but overall, CrimsonCrisp has a distinctly bold red appearance.
CrimsonCrisp has a sweet-tart flavor with a refreshing balance of acidity and sweetness. But the texture is where this apple really gets your attention. It’s firm, crisp, and juicy, creating the satisfying crunch that gives the variety its name. If you prefer apples that have a little more tang and a lot of texture, CrimsonCrisp is a great one to try.
CrimsonCrisp is generally considered an early- to mid-season apple, making it a fun variety to discover as apple season begins moving into fall. Its exact harvest window varies depending on growing conditions. At Apple Holler, weather, temperatures, rainfall, and sunlight all play a role in determining when CrimsonCrisp reaches its ideal picking stage. Mother Nature makes the schedule!
If you’re planning your visit specifically around CrimsonCrisp, check Apple Holler’s current apple availability before you come.
With its firm texture and balanced flavor, CrimsonCrisp is especially good for fresh eating. Its sturdy flesh also makes it useful for recipes where you want your apple pieces to retain some texture.
Try CrimsonCrisp apples for:
It’s particularly nice in salads because the firm flesh gives your dish some extra crunch.
CrimsonCrisp is an apple for people who like their fruit beautiful, bold, and crunchy.
Its deep red skin makes it stand out in the orchard, while its firm, juicy flesh delivers a satisfying bite. Add in its balanced sweet-tart flavor, and you’ve got a variety that’s easy to enjoy fresh from the tree. Come pick a bag and find your perfect crunch!
Variety: CrimsonCrisp
Origin: United States
Developed by: Purdue University, Rutgers University & University of Illinois
Color: Deep crimson red
Flesh: Creamy white
Flavor: Sweet-tart and refreshing
Texture: Firm, crisp, and juicy
Season: Early to mid-season
Best for: Fresh eating, salads, snacking, and baking
Special feature: Excellent crisp texture and attractive deep-red color
Fun fact: CrimsonCrisp was developed through a cooperative university apple-breeding program.
