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All about apples, pears, plums, and cherries - and orchards where they are grown

Paula Red apple

USDA identification images for Paula Red

The identification paintings in the USDA Pomological Watercolor Collection span the years 1886 to 1942.

    Citation: U.S. Department of Agriculture Pomological Watercolor Collection. Rare and Special Collections, National Agricultural Library, Beltsville, MD 20705.

    Visitor reviews

    • 22 Mar 2018  AL, United States
      The Paula Red is one of the best (if not *THE BEST*) apples I have EVER HAD!!! It is similar to the McIntosh, but BETTER!!! The meat is crisp, yet soft, similar to that of a Golden Delicious. The skin is thick enough to protect from damage (scratches/bruises/etc), but not THICK, TOUGH, & BITTER, like that of the Red Delicious (at least the STORE Bought RDs seem to all be that way), they are slightly tart, yet incredibly sweet. Think crossing a Granny Smith & a Honey Crisp . . . Paula Red would be their offspring (their DELICIOUS LOVE CHILD!!! They are ABSOLUTELY WONDERFUL!!!
    • 18 Aug 2017  INDIANA, United States
      I was surprised to find these at a local grocery store, fresh from Michigan. This variety has a soft flesh with a mellow flavor that is slightly tart but with a slight hint of "honey" like sweetness.
    • 17 Aug 2015  MASSACHUSETTS, United States
      A pleasant first apple of the year, if you haven't had a fresh apple for a few months. No particular fragrance, but a mild sweetness and respectable crunch, flavor does indeed indicate a bit of the Snow/ Fameuse - McIntosh lineage.
    • 03 Aug 2014  ILLINOIS, United States
      When cooked with the skin on, Paula Reds make the most beautiful pink applesauce. The sauce needs little added sugar due to their natural sweetness.
    • 14 Sep 2013  KENTUCKY, United States
      I love the taste of the Paula Red Apple. Where can I purchase Paula Red Apple trees?
    • 22 Aug 2013  NEW JSERSEY, United States
      I have this variety and find that the taste matures a bit after picking. Tart or tasteless at first give it some time and it is sweet and juicy.
    • 05 Jun 2012  N.S, Canada
      I found this variety to be my best quality apple. It ripens early and produces a sweet tasting apple. It also lasts well after picking.
    • 10 Sep 2011  MINNESOTA, HENNEPIN, United States
      An acceptable apple. Main advantage is early harvest. Softer fleshed, less tart and less complex than I like.
    • 08 Sep 2011  VIRGINIA, United States
      I enjoyed this apple. It has a slight tartness with an enjoyable flavor. The taste had a bit of pear in it for me. This variety does have some characteristics that I don't like in an apple. The skin is on the tough side and so far all the ones I've had (from one source to this point) are soft fleshed. This is not a crisp apple, the flesh is pushing the edge of mealy. Overall I will buy this apple again because I think the flavor is worth it.
    • 31 Aug 2011  MA, United States
      The one I had, though nicely colored, was very tart. I usually like tart apples, but I cannot recommend this apple.

    Tree register

    United States

    Canada

    Origins

    • Species: Malus domestica - Apple
    • Parentage: Chance seedling, but may have some McIntosh ancestry
    • Originates from: Sparta, Michigan, United States
    • Introduced: 1960
    • Developed by: Lewis Arrends
    • UK National Fruit Collection accession: 1999-028

    Identification

    • Country of origin: United States
    • Period of origin: 1950 - 1999

    Using

    • Picking season: Late

    Growing

    • Flowering group: 2
    • Ploidy: Diploid
    • Self-fertility: Not self-fertile

    Where to buy fresh fruit

    The following orchards grow Paula Red:

    United States


    Canada




    References

    • Cedar-Apple Rust  
      Author: Stephen Vann, University of Arkansas, Division of Agriculture (FSA7538)
      Rated as resistant - control only needed under high disease pressure.

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