What happens when you combine the aromatic flavor of McIntosh with the sweetness and beautiful color of Red Delicious? You get Empire! This classic American apple brings together characteristics from two famous varieties to create a sweet-tart, crisp, juicy apple that’s wonderful fresh and versatile in the kitchen. Unlike many apples with mysterious beginnings, Empire has a very clear family tree.
Empire is a New York apple variety developed in the 1960s. It was created by researchers at Cornell University by crossing McIntosh and Red Delicious. The variety was first selected in 1966 and later named Empire as a nod to New York’s nickname, the Empire State. That parentage gives Empire an interesting combination of characteristics: the aromatic, sweet-tart flavor of McIntosh paired with the attractive red color and sweetness associated with Red Delicious.
Empire apples are typically medium-sized with a rounded shape and beautiful red skin. Their coloring can range from bright red to deeper crimson, often with subtle striping or lighter areas. Inside, Empire has creamy white flesh that is crisp, juicy, and pleasantly firm. The combination of bright red skin and pale flesh makes Empire particularly attractive when sliced for snacks or salads.
Empire is known for its balanced sweet-tart flavor. It has a pleasant sweetness from its Red Delicious heritage but retains the refreshing acidity and aroma associated with McIntosh. The result is an apple that isn’t too sweet and isn’t too tart. Its texture is crisp and juicy, giving it a satisfying bite that makes it especially good for fresh eating.
Empire is generally a mid-season apple, typically harvested in September and October. That makes it a wonderful variety to enjoy during the heart of fall apple season, when the orchard is full of color and there are plenty of varieties to discover. At Apple Holler, exact harvest dates can vary depending on the year’s growing conditions. Mother Nature makes the schedule! If you’re planning your visit specifically for Empire apples, check Apple Holler’s current availability before your trip.
Empire is a wonderfully versatile apple. It’s especially delicious fresh, but its balanced flavor also makes it useful in many recipes.
Try Empire apples for:
Empire is also known for being slow to brown after cutting, making it a great choice for fruit trays and salads.
Empire was developed in New York, and its name is a direct reference to the state’s famous nickname: the Empire State. The variety’s New York roots are especially fitting because New York has a long and important history of apple growing and apple research. Because one of its parents is McIntosh, Empire is also part of the larger McIntosh apple family that includes several other well-known varieties.
Empire is an excellent apple for anyone who wants a little bit of everything: sweet, tart, crisp, juicy, and aromatic. Its beautiful red skin makes it easy to spot in the orchard, while its balanced flavor makes it a reliable favorite for fresh eating. Whether you’re packing lunches, baking a fall dessert, or simply enjoying an apple while strolling through the orchard, Empire is a delicious choice. Come pick a bag and discover this New York classic right here at Apple Holler!
Variety: Empire
Origin: New York, United States
Developed by: Cornell University
Introduced: 1960s
Parentage: McIntosh × Red Delicious
Color: Bright red to crimson
Flesh: Creamy white
Flavor: Sweet-tart, aromatic, and juicy
Texture: Crisp and firm
Season: Mid-season, generally September–October
Best for: Fresh eating, salads, applesauce, and baking
Fun fact: Empire was named for New York, the Empire State.
