Discover Our Apple Varieties

At Maiden Rock Orchard, we take pride in offering a diverse selection of apples, each with its own flavor profile and unique qualities.

Whether you're looking to pick your own or grab a prepacked bag, here’s what you can look forward to at the orchard.

Honeycrisp

  • Flavor: Sweet, crisp, and juicy.

  • Best For: Eating fresh, salads.

  • Availability: September - October

  • Notes: One of the most popular apples for its balanced sweetness and amazing crunch.

Wolf River

  • Flavor: Mild and sweet.

  • Best For: Baking, apple butter, pies.

  • Availability: September - October

  • Notes: Famous for its massive size and excellent performance in baked goods.

Sweet 16 / Golden Supreme

  • Flavor: Sweet with a hint of spice (Sweet 16); mild, honeyed flavor (Golden Supreme).

  • Best For: Fresh eating, pies, sauces.

  • Availability: September

  • Notes: These two varieties offer distinct yet delightful flavor profiles for those who love a sweet apple.

Empire Apple

  • Flavor: Crisp and mildly tart.

  • Best For: Fresh eating, salads, snacks.

  • Availability: September - November

  • Notes: A cross between McIntosh and Red Delicious, combining the best traits of both.

Golden Delicious

  • Flavor: Sweet, mild, and soft.

  • Best For: Sauces, pies, fresh eating.

  • Availability: September - October

  • Notes: A versatile apple perfect for everything from pies to snacks.

Cortland Apples

  • Flavor: Tart, crisp, and juicy.

  • Best For: Salads, baking, applesauce.

  • Availability: September - November

  • Notes: Resistant to browning, making it ideal for salads and fruit platters.

Connell Red

  • Flavor: Sweet and juicy.

  • Best For: Fresh eating.

  • Availability: September

  • Notes: A relatively rare variety known for its exceptional sweetness and texture.

Honeygold

  • Flavor: Sweet and mild.

  • Best For: Fresh eating, sauces, baking.

  • Availability: October

  • Notes: This apple is a cold-hardy alternative to Golden Delicious with a similar flavor profile.

Gala

  • Flavor: Mildly sweet, fragrant.

  • Best For: Fresh eating, baking, salads.

  • Availability: Late August - September

  • Notes: A classic favorite for its gentle sweetness and crisp texture.

Fireside

  • Flavor: Sweet and aromatic.

  • Best For: Fresh eating, baking, sauces.

  • Availability: October

  • Notes: Known for its sweet flavor and firm texture, great for both eating and baking.

Zestar!

  • Flavor: Sweet-tart, crisp, and juicy.

  • Best For: Fresh eating, pies.

  • Availability: August - September

  • Notes: One of the earliest varieties to ripen, with a great balance of sweetness and tartness.

Chestnut Crab

  • Flavor: Sweet and nutty.

  • Best For: Fresh eating, cider.

  • Availability: September

  • Notes: Small but packed with flavor, perfect for snacking or adding to cider blends.

Wealthy

  • Flavor: Tart and juicy.

  • Best For: Pies, applesauce, cider.

  • Availability: September

  • Notes: An old-fashioned variety that’s great for cooking and cider-making.

Paula Red

  • Flavor: Tart and crisp.

  • Best For: Fresh eating, sauces.

  • Availability: August - September

  • Notes: One of the first apples of the season, perfect for a tangy snack.

McIntosh

  • Flavor: Tart, juicy, and aromatic.

  • Best For: Fresh eating, sauces, cider.

  • Availability: September - October

  • Notes: A beloved classic, known for its tart flavor and softness when cooked.