Ginger Gold facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Malus domestica 'Ginger Gold'
Hybrid parentage	'Golden Delicious' × 'Albemarle Pippin' × unknown
Cultivar	'Ginger Gold'
Origin	Nelson County, Virginia, USA, 1960s

The Ginger Gold is a popular yellow apple variety. It first became available in stores in the 1980s. However, the original apple tree was discovered much earlier, in the late 1960s. This apple is now one of the top 15 most popular types in the United States.

Discovering the Ginger Gold Apple

The Ginger Gold apple has an interesting story. It was discovered after a big natural event. In 1969, Hurricane Camille caused terrible floods in Nelson County, Virginia. The floods badly damaged the apple orchards of Clyde and Frances "Ginger" Harvey.

How the Apple Was Found

While cleaning up, the Harveys found a few apple trees that had survived. Among them was a tree that looked different. Clyde Harvey noticed it right away. He planted this special tree with the others. Later, it grew yellow apples instead of the usual red ones.

Naming the Ginger Gold

An expert helped identify the apple's "parents." These were the Golden Delicious and Albemarle Pippin apple varieties. There was also another unknown apple type. The Harveys decided to name this new apple after Clyde's wife, Frances, whose nickname was Ginger. That's how it became the Ginger Gold apple.

What Makes Ginger Gold Special?

The Ginger Gold apple is known for a few unique things. It is one of the first apple types to be ready for harvest each year. This happens in August on the East Coast of the US. In California, it can be ready as early as July.

Appearance and Taste

Ginger Gold apples are large and shaped like a cone. When they first grow, they are a very light green color. If they stay on the tree longer, they turn a soft yellow. They also get a slightly waxy feel.

The inside of the apple is creamy white. It doesn't turn brown as quickly as many other apple types. This makes it great for slicing and eating fresh. The flavor is mild, but it has a nice tart finish. Most people enjoy eating Ginger Gold apples fresh. You can also use them for cooking or baking.

Growing Ginger Gold Apples

During the 2000s, the Ginger Gold apple became very popular. It was the first yellow apple to ripen in the fall. Its good quality and steady harvests made it a favorite for commercial growers. However, the trees can easily get a plant disease called mildew.

Official Fruit of Virginia?

In January 2007, lawmakers in Virginia wanted to make the Ginger Gold Apple the official fruit of their state. They proposed a bill for this. However, the bill did not pass. It was put aside by a committee later that month.