Meet the Macoun apple, an apple that’s packed with sweetness and crunch! This beautiful red-and-green apple combines the aromatic character of McIntosh with the sweetness and crispness of another classic New York variety. Macoun is a favorite among apple enthusiasts. Once you try one fresh from the tree, it’s easy to understand why!
Macoun Apples are a cross between the McIntosh and Jersey Black apples and were developed at the New York State Agricultural Experiment Station in Geneva in 1932.
The Macoun Apple (pronounced “Ma-cown”) is actually named for a famous Canadian horticulturalist W.T. Macoun. This apple is also one of the parents of the Honeycrisp apple.
Macoun apples make their appearance during the holiday season, and their crisp flesh and sweet taste are ideal for holiday pies. Add this apple to fresh salads or serve alongside sharp cheeses.
The natural sweetness of this apple is also well-suited for sauces without the need to add much additional sugar. This apple doesn’t keep very long; they are best used within a few weeks of picking. Store them in the refrigerator for up to two weeks.
Macoun is a New York apple variety developed in the early 20th century by researchers at the New York State Agricultural Experiment Station in Geneva, New York. It was introduced in 1923 and named in honor of Canadian horticulturist William Tyrrell Macoun. Macoun is a cross between McIntosh and Jersey Black, two varieties that contributed some of its distinctive characteristics.
The result is an apple with the aromatic, sweet-tart personality of its McIntosh heritage combined with the rich coloring and firm texture associated with its other parent.
Macoun apples are particularly striking in the orchard. They typically have deep red to purplish-red skin, often with darker areas and a green or yellow-green background. Their shape can be somewhat irregular, giving them a wonderfully natural, old-fashioned orchard appearance. Inside, the flesh is bright white and juicy, with a tender but pleasantly crisp texture. Their dark coloring makes Macouns especially easy to spot when they’re hanging among the green leaves.
Macoun is known for its rich, sweet-tart, and aromatic flavor. It’s sweeter than a traditional McIntosh while retaining some of that unmistakable McIntosh aroma. The flavor can have berry-like or wine-like notes, giving it a little extra complexity compared with a milder snacking apple. The texture is crisp, juicy, and tender, making it a wonderful apple to enjoy fresh. If you like apples with a little personality, rather than apples that are simply sweet, Macoun is definitely worth trying.
Macoun is generally a mid-to-late-season apple, typically harvested in September and October depending on the growing region. That makes it a wonderful apple to discover as the orchard transitions into the heart of fall. At Apple Holler, harvest dates can vary from year to year depending on temperatures, rainfall, sunlight, and other growing conditions. Mother Nature makes the schedule! If you’re hoping to pick Macoun specifically, check Apple Holler’s current apple availability before your visit.
Macoun is particularly prized as a fresh-eating apple, thanks to its flavorful, juicy flesh. Its rich flavor also makes it a fun apple to use in the kitchen.
Try Macoun apples for:
For your first Macoun, though, we’d recommend eating it fresh. It’s an apple that deserves to be tasted all by itself!
Since McIntosh is one of Macoun’s parents, it’s natural to wonder how the two compare. Both have a sweet-tart flavor and wonderful aroma, but Macoun tends to be sweeter and firmer, while McIntosh is generally more tender and juicy. Macoun also develops a particularly deep red-purple skin, making it easy to distinguish in the orchard. If you’re already a McIntosh fan, Macoun is a natural next apple to try!
With its deep red-purple skin, rich sweet-tart flavor, and wonderful aroma, Macoun is an apple worth slowing down and savoring. It’s especially fun for apple lovers who enjoy varieties with a little more complexity, and for McIntosh fans looking to discover something new! Come explore the orchard, fill a bag, and see if Macoun becomes your new favorite!
