The comprehensive resource for apples and orchards

Pink Lady® apple



Perhaps more than any other modern apple, Pink Lady® epitomises the trend towards product marketing and branding in the sale of apples. Pink Lady® was one of the first apples to be marketed under a specific brand name rather than by its variety name. The variety is grown under licence, and then marketed through licenced resellers to the supermarkets. This tight control is intended to keep quality high, and it is portrayed as a premium product.

You may have sometimes seen another variety called Cripps Pink in the shops and noticed the similarity ... it is actually the same variety.  Pink Lady® is a trademark, the actual variety name is Cripps Pink. Pink Lady brand logo In order to preserve the premium appeal of Pink Lady®, about 65% of the production which does not meet the standards required for Pink Lady® is sold as Cripps Pink instead. The distinction is primarily made on colour intensity and the sugar/acid balance. Whilst this might at first appear to be a marketing ploy, it benefits consumers because it means that the variability of quality of Pink Lady® is less than you might find in other varieties (Braeburn being a notable example).

Cripps Pink was developed in the 1970s by John Cripps in Western Australia, and is a cross between Golden Delicious and Lady Williams.  This same breeding programme also led to Cripps Red, which shares the same parentage and is marketed under the Sundowner® brand. Lady Williams is not a particularly well known apple variety in Europe or North America, but has been quite widely grown in Australia, having been discovered as a chance seedling in the 1930s. It is probably from Lady Williams that Pink Lady® gets its distinct colouring. (However it is interesting that another modern "blush" apple, the orange-coloured Tentation, is also a Golden Delicious cross).  Pink Lady® and Sundowner® are very similar, but we think Pink Lady® is just slightly closer to Golden Delicious in terms of flavor.

Pink Lady® requires a very long growing period and a hot climate, and hence is only grown in the warmer apple-growing regions of South Africa, USA, southern Europe - and of course Australia.  Strong sunglight in autumn is vital for the pink coloration to develop and growers may remove the top-most leaves of the trees to allow light to penetrate.  Pink Lady® is a moderately vigourous tree and hangs on to its leaves well into winter.  It also shares a characteristic found in some other apple varieties in that the quality of fruit in the early years of the tree is not good.  These horticultural difficulties meant that Pink Lady® was initially unpopular with growers - until they realised the premium prices they could get for this unique pink apple.

Pink Lady® apples from the northern hemisphere tend to arrive in shops from late November - but the very long storage life means they are available almost all year round from northern or southern hemisphere orchards.

Since its introduction several sports or variants have been discovered.  Two of these are Rosy Glow and Lady in Red.  Technically these are separate cultivars (and should be listed as such on this website), but because of the strength of the Pink Lady brand many of them (with the agreement of the trademark owners) are marketed as Pink Lady and consumers are not likely to be aware of the difference unless they are able to see the original orchard box packaging.

Does Pink Lady® match up with the marketing ? Visually, it certainly does - it is still unusual to see an apple that is genuinely pink and Pink Lady® is undoubtedly one of the best looking apple varieties available. We are not so sure the flavour is quite up there with the best modern varieties (take Jazz for example).  Perhaps the most interesting comparison is with its sibling variety, Sundowner® - we think Sundowner® has a slightly better flavour and texture, very similar to Pink Lady® but just a bit more pronounced, although many people prefer the slightly blander flavour of Pink Lady®.  In short, a very attractive apple with a good flavour, and deservedly popular.

Last updated 07 Apr 2013.

One of the best-known modern apples - and one of the most popular pages on this website.

Pink Lady photo tape

Origins

  • Species: Malus domestica
  • Parentage: Golden Delicious x Lady Williams
  • Originates from: Western Australia, Australia
  • Introduced: Late 20th century
  • Developed by: John Cripps
  • Orange Pippin Cultivar ID: 112600

Identification

  • Fruit colour: Red
  • Flesh colour: White
  • Fruit size: Medium
  • Bultitude apple group: 6. Red flushed, smooth, sweet

Using

  • Good for eating fresh
  • Flavour quality: Good
  • Ripening period: Very-Late season
  • Use / keeping: 3 months or more

Growing

  • Cropping: Good
  • Flowering group: 3
  • Fertility: Self-sterile
  • Triploid: No
  • Good pollinator: Yes Has a long bloom period
  • Vigour: Average growth
  • Gardening skill: Average Requires a warm climate
  • Attractive fruit
  • General disease resistance: Average

Climate

  • Suitable for temperate climates The tree should grow but the apples may not ripen
  • Low-chill requirement ~650 hours / 27 days at less than 5C

Disease resistance

  • Scab  - Some susceptibility
  • Mildew  - Some susceptibility
  • Fireblight  - Very susceptible
  • Cedar apple rust  - Very susceptible

Pests

  • Woolly aphid  - Some susceptibility

Relationships to other varieties

Parents and other ancestors of this variety:

Siblings of this variety (same parentage):

Also known as

  • Cripps Pink
  • Lady in Red
  • Rosy Glow

Pink Lady identification photos from website visitors


Pink Lady apples tape


Pink Lady apples

Copyright: Geoff Edwards, Brisbane, Australia


Rate this variety for flavor

Current rating: 4.4 out of 5. Total votes cast: 81
 

Visitor comments

(Use the form at the bottom to add your own comments about this variety)

11 May 2013 Doreen RobertsonWA, Australia
pink lady and granny smiths are a favorite at our house, mostly as a pie or crumble. have planted both varieties and hope they do well!
25 Apr 2013 Mitchell Garth SidesTX, United States
Pink Lady is my favorite apple because it has a brilliant acidity to go along with a solid sweetness. The perfect combination of a typical red and a Granny Smith is found in Pink Lady, making it the best all around apple I've ever had by a long shot. Pair the superb taste with the quality control of the brand name, and Pink Ladies are hands down the best apples I've ever had.
15 Jan 2013 Bo and BrentNY, United States
Bo - This is the granny-smith of the red apple world. I will hereby refer to it as the "Pappy Jones" apple. Nearly as tart and only slightly sweeter than the Granny Smith, this reddish-greenish juicy delight has a tough skin to match its firm flesh. Brent - a sweet apple with a hint of crab-apple tartness to balance it out.
28 Dec 2012 Maryann DavisTX, United States
Love this apple. And BISHOP -- you're probably on to something, because this is one apple that can compete with the other carbs that I crave.
30 Oct 2012 Kenneth e WrightPENNSYLVANIA, United States
Pink lady is my favorite apple. It is sweet with a tart taste. I keep them very cold til I eat them. I left in the trunk in winter and did not freeze.
26 Sep 2012 JanellSD, United States
The Pink Lady apple is the BEST apples I have ever eaten!!! No other variety even compares to this apple !! Love them!!!!
21 Sep 2012 TinaWEST VIRGINIA, United States
Pink Lady Apples make the best Applesauce that I have ever made - Sweet and Tart all in the same bite! I plan to process at least 2 bushels this year once they become available in my area - mid-October.
18 Sep 2012 BishopCT, United States
I know everyone is going to laugh at this but I have recently lost 40lbs. and I owe it all to the Pink Lady apple. you see I love these apples sooooo much that I eat three to four a day and that is an underestimate in an attempt to not look too crazy. I was on a steady diet of carbs and fat in any form until one day I was told that Pink Ladies are the best thing since sliced bread, so I went out and bought one, leet me tell you, it was love at first bite!!!! Ever since I have become a sort of connoisseur. I was 230 lbs and i am now down to 190 lbs and I started my Pink Lady diet in late March. that's about 40 lbs in 6 months and no gym!!!
01 Sep 2012 E. WhiteleyPERTH AND KINROSS, United Kingdom
Beautiful to look at; but each time I've succumbed to the hype and the attractive appearance, I have been disappointed. Tried one again today, trying to define what I don't like about it; it has pleasant background flavour between melon and peardrops, but heavily overlaid with a sickly acid tang like cheap candy; it also had a slightly rubbery texture. Interesting but unpleasant. I couldn't finish it.
21 Apr 2012 AndreaItaly
This is probably the best apple I ever tasted! So crispy, so sweet and juicy...
14 Apr 2012 Peter AlldermanCAPE REGION, South Africa
We also just love Pink Lady. There are other great tasting apples for sure but none with the uniquely exquisite pink colour. Like a true lady she bruises easily but despite keeps its crispness for a long time. Truly a champagne taste.
08 Mar 2012 StefUnited States
I am most fond of this delicious lady. She makes the BEST fresh apple juice. I am not generally fond of apple juice, but the tart and sweet balance is perfect in this one. Also my fave apple to munch or make carrot apple ginger juice which is heavenly.
15 Feb 2012 JessicaGEORGIA, United States
A very sweet apple with a touch of tart. A very attractive apple as well.
10 Feb 2012 Robin YoungCA, United States
Today's delivery of organic farm share produce included Pink Lady apples. They felt light. I pared, and sliced them to make apple sauce and there was zero juice. Is this how they always are, or were these in storage long enough to dehydrate?
31 Aug 2011 ZmanMA, United States
@Susan, the seeds of apples do not produce the same apple. Do not be surprised if the apples taste very different from Pink Lady. On the other hand, one of those trees could be the next great apple variety !
23 Aug 2011 AlisonMELBOURNE, Australia
We love our Pink Lady apples here in Australia. I personally scoff one every day for breakfast. They are juicy and tart/sweet and have such a pretty pink colour blush on their skins. We're proud of this variety!
06 Aug 2011 SusanMI, United States
I bought 2 Pink Lady apples when I cut them open thet had seeds that had germinated.I had 6 seed in all ,we planted them and I had 4 survive they are now 30 inch trees.I live in the northern part of my state.They say its the wrong climate to grow them here.This will be there 2nd winter.
16 Jun 2011 LeonPETACH TYKWA, Israel
I love the Pink Lady. They arrived here in Israel about 6 years ago from the USA, and were snapped up, and sold at a very high price $US4 a kilo. Next year an Israeli variety came out. Much bigger, because the locals like all fruit&veg big, not as pink or as juicy, and sweet, but much cheaper. I still prefer the imported ones, even though they are more expensive.
16 Jun 2011 Chuck RoubikMONTANA, United States
Yesterday my wife brought home about a dozen Pink Lady apples from the supermarket here in western Montana. I've eaten two and find the flavor acceptable but not as exciting as with other varieties. The surprising thing about them though is their extreme hardness, as though they are under ripe; they are harder than any other apple I've ever tasted. Your extensive factors for analysis do not include any for 'texture' (firm, hard, soft, mealy, etc) but I notice a couple of references to "crisp" as the only clue. I also notice under 'climate' that it is "suitable for temporate climates. The tree sholud grow, but the apples may not RIPEN". Might it be that a reputable supermarket chain is selling under ripe Pink Lady apples?
27 Feb 2011 Jenny MertesARIZONA, United States
I grew up with vintage varieties like Spitz, and I was spoiled by the taste of a fresh, crispy apple right off the tree. It's rare to find that crisp, sweet texture in a store-bought apple, but I found it in the Pink Lady, at last - an apple to rival the old Spitz for crispness and flavor. Wow! They're .99 at Fry's right now, they're huge, and they're incredibly delicious. Are they good for cooking? Mine won't last long enough to find out.
04 Jan 2011 LisaUMBRIA, Italy
I love this apple. We first purchased it after we moved to Italy and I am hooked. It is everything an apple should be. I was born and raised in NJ and never saw a Pink Lady then moved to Las Vegas(terrible produce) and we were lucky we could get a Delicious. I would recommend this apple to any fruit lover esp. a home baker for any apple dessert.
10 Dec 2010 MariaCHIOS, Greece
My husband and I go to Holland often for work and we love apples so I always buy some for our road trip back home to Greece buy car. This last trip I baught pink lady apples and ever since we tasted them, we are hooked for life. I was born in the States and as a young child we always went to Wisconsin for apple picking. This apple is nothing like the others. It is one of a kind. Now help ne find a pink lady tree so I can plant in Chios Greece.
17 Nov 2010 Alan Sparrow*, Spain
Yesterday I bought ONE apple from out local excellent gourmet greengrocers here in Sitges where every kind of fruit and vegetable is available. The name attracted me first and I saw the price was high - but ... BUT ... B+U+T - What a surprise awaited me within that curious pink skin which almost glows in itself. OK, everyone talks about the sweetness and tartness and crispness; that's undoubtedly true - But the flavour is SUPERB! Was it roses I detected? Lychees? Moscatel grapes? Elderflower cordial? Even an underlying faintly mandarin orange? The perfume and aroma is truly unexpected and it now seems to put all other apples I have ever tasted in my life totally into the shade! I was not expecting such a ravishing assault on my taste buds at all! The experience was truly amazing and I now realize this apple is to be savoured slowly like a fine, rare wine - And this is without the slightest exaggeration! BRAVO to Mr John Cripps for bringing this exquisite fruit to our mouths to delight us! I'll certainly be buying more than ONE Pink Lady the next time I go into tht fantastic greengrocers.
12 Oct 2010 NathanpwUK, United Kingdom
Fantastic site, I have just reciently used the pink lady in a variety blend of cider, not only is it a fantastic colour and flavour it also smells divine. I would have to agree on the chilled comments, the cider tends to be a little tart at room temperature, but chilled its fresh and very popular with my friends!
10 Aug 2010 Peter SciortinoCA, United States
Pink Lady! My sweet and delicious desire. Oh, how I love you so... I enjoy you daily and cannot go a day without you. Sound like a love letter? It is! Well, my wife, my 1 yr old son and I truly love our "Pink Ladies" every day. We used to eat Fuji and other varieties of apples. But, then I saw a familiar name I had not heard for some time. So we bought some along with the usual Fuji's and Smith's. But, when we ate the "Ladies" first. We didn't ever want the others. Now it's "Pink Ladies" or nothing!
12 May 2010 Anna CroftonUnited States
I absolutly sdore the crisp texture and delightful sweetness of Pink Ladies. The awesome flavor of this species reminds me of a a mix between my old favorite and pears. Yes, I am aware of it's origins, but I still strongly believe that I can sense a hint of pear taste. Does anyone else notice that? Anyway, Pink Ladies are one of my favorite apples of all time.
12 Dec 2009 TomTEXAS, US, United States
Ok. Pink ladies are great. BUT. the organic ones have a much more delicate and perfumey flavor. The non-organics, while crisp, often range in flavor from tasteless to waxy. But A rock hard, very red, organic pink lady is all I need. That sounds like a rock lyric but it's not. But it should be.

05 Nov 2009 LupeDINUBA, CALIFORNIA, United States
The Pink Lady is the best apple I have ever tasted. Our local grocery stores don't carry it anymore. I love it with peanut butter or cream cheese. It is the best.
14 Oct 2009 NiamhIRELAND, Ireland
Pink Lady apples are the reason I began eating apples. For years I had lived off Granny Smiths and had gotten sick of them. I loved the apples we grew in our garden but never found any supermarket variety that was worth the money until Pink Ladys. I have now expanded my tastes but Pink Ladys are still one of my favorites. Does anyone else remember the Pink Kiss apples that tasted the same and got into lots of trouble for breaking the trade rules?
03 Sep 2009 LyndaUnited States
I have fallen for the Pink Lady Apple. It is crisp, firm, very tasty and refreshing.
02 Sep 2009 GatordaveDELRAY BEACH FL, United States
Andrea: try your local costco: i am getting them down here in florida, but they are from argentina since it is winter down there. you get about 14 of them for $6 and they are huge
02 Sep 2009 JonKAUAI ,HAWAII, United States
I found Pink Lady's at the Costco on Kauai. I agree with everyone as to the sweet, tart and crispy aspects of this apple. They are the best I've had. I used to like braeburns and Fuji's but now it's Pink Ladys all the way. I can't wait to make my Grandmothers apple dumplings with them!
30 Jun 2009 MorrisSUDBURY, ONTARIO, Canada
What a pleasant surprise. The apple coloring and the tart, crisp taste are a winner. We are hopping that our local store will stock this product year round.
31 May 2009 David ChristensenMODESTO, CA., United States
Sold these jems at Farmers' markets for several years. The best all around apple on the market. A local business won the international pie contest in 2007 using this apple.
04 Apr 2009 GraceMONTANA, United States
I purchased one apple for my husband to taste test as we had never heard of Pink Lady before. He commented several times that it is certainly a good apple! As for me, I love them! Can't eat too many due to apple allergy, but so far haven't had any bad aches and pains from them! Thank you!!!
29 Mar 2009 Leona BriscoeTEMPLE HILLS, MD, United States
I was curious about the Pink Lady apple when I was ordering from Peapod. I am hooked on Red Delicous apples. I ordered my normal 3lb bag of Red Delicous and 1 pink Lady. Well I am eating as I write this comment and I must say its a bit too tart for my taste. I quess I am hooked on the sweetness of Red Delicious apples.
21 Feb 2009 Carol VanceIOWA CITY IOWA, United States
ARE THES APPLES THIS IS THE FIRST TIME I'VE BOUGHT THEM , THEY ARE CRISP AND TART FOR EATING OR COOKING
01 Feb 2009 ElizabethST. CHARLES,CHARLES CO, MO, United States
I discovered Pink Lady apples back in 2003 at my local Wal Mart supercenter at the time. I was taken aback by the wonderful taste of them. I believe that their color and firmness attracted me to them becasue I like my apple crsip, and not grainy. It was certainly a pleasure for my taste buds when I tried it, and I have been eating them ever since. Every once in a while I will even find them for a bargain (the Cripps brand) at the Aldi store nearby. IT seems I can't find them right now, and will be searching for them when I go shopping.
22 Jan 2009 Paul WhitehouseDERBY, ENGLAND, United Kingdom
In England we grow some of the best apples in the world - mostly down to the amount of rain we have!! I eat a huge amount of fruit - mainly apples that have a sharp taste - but having discovered 'Pink Lady' I don't each much else! The only other apple that comes close is the English 'Russet' - this has a super nutty flavour that is most unusual. Thank you for explaining the difference between 'Cripps Pink'. Keep chomping those apples!!
19 Jan 2009 MichaelSUNNYSIDE WASHINGTON, United States
I'm in the Yakima Valley where the majority of our apples are grown. Based on what I hear, as well as my own taste, we only need three apple varieties. All of the following are crisp and juicy: 1. Like it tart = Granny Smith 2. Like it sweet yet complex = Jazz 3. Like it sweet and tart = Pink Lady Unless you are baking, which I know nothing about, stay with those three and all is good.

12 Jan 2009 Sandra MacmillanTEXAS, United States
I first tried this apple several years ago at a store that had foods from New Zealand, I believe it was. I've been hooked ever since. Everyone I let try them also seem to fall in love with them. When they are unavailable, I'm beside myself. I did find some Honey Crisp late in the season that I was able to enjoy. I always thought that Cripp's Pink apples were a ripoff of the Pink Lady. I'm glad to get the reality straight. I've had an occassional Cripp's Pink that was good and now I know why.
01 Jan 2009 SylvieFRANCE, France
I discovered this apple 3 years ago, I was not before that an apple person, but since then , I am looking forward every winter to find my lovely Pink Lady, and I am so happy when she is back in the shops, it s like I ve fiund my old friend back ...I do not think The Lady is too sweet , and it's why I like in her , this crunchy sweet and sour taste ...and personaly I think it s a shame to cook her ....;-D
01 Jan 2009 Jin EyreUnited Kingdom
Me too!! I'm a non apple eater but the pink lady can tempt me at least twice a day. I love them.
02 Dec 2008 Adam BighamMIDWEST, United States
The best ones I had were from a 3-lb. bag, labeled with the cultivar name 'Cripps Pink', and incidentally they were organically grown. The larger, fancy ones you individually select and pay premium price for, I've not been that thrilled about. I wonder if size is a factor, and the large ones just don't attain the soluble sugar levels as the small ones do. I really enjoyed the smaller ones.
01 Dec 2008 DebbieFLORIDA, United States
Only the best apple ever, and this from a non-apple eater.
29 Sep 2008 TerryIL, United States
I too, totally agree on the taste, texture,firmness and everything else you all have said about Pink Lady apples. I have been a devout Pink Lady eater for the last 2 years. My first was given to me at Christmas-time as part of a grab bag. I fell deeply in love with Pink Lady and have not eaten any other type of apple since. I, faithfully, eat at least one a day. The funny thing about this is: before then, I didn't eat apples at all!!! (I didn't like the taste of apples.) I'm talking about over 40 years!! Now, not a day goes by without me having a Pink Lady. It's a great substitute for candy, or if you're having a case of the munchies. This quenches your thirst or removes that craving of just having to eat something. I really think I eat enough of Pink Lady apples to actually "keep the doctor away!!!" LONG LIVE PINK LADY!!
29 Sep 2008 Mark A.J. Rea, Jr.GREENVILLE SC, United States
I have found that the Pink Lady variety is in my opinion one of the best apples I have ever experienced. For eating, cooking, and other reasons they are just superb!! As an executive chef, I have tried many varities, and this apple is one of my all time favorites. It's not that it beats out any other apple, as each variety has its own particular properties, but its crisp bite, tart/sweet flavor, and excellent storage properties are quite exceptional. I enjoyed it so much, that I have recently planted my own tree in my 1 acre back yard, and are looking forward to fruit in a few years. The climate of the South Carolina upstate where I live should prove a great place for this particular variety to thrive. If any of you haven't tried it yet, you should, I know you'll enjoy it!!
19 Sep 2008 AlanROCHESTER, MN, United States
Pink Lady is my wife's favorite apple. She claims the Cripps Pink is not as good. I said they were the same variety. I guess I was right but she may have a point as well. I also like them but they are nowhere near as good as Honeycrisp.
05 Sep 2008 Joanna PayenABINGDON, United Kingdom
We had a tasting today at the Waitrose where I work involving three varieties of apples, Pink Lady, Estivale and Discovery. The Pink Lady was the apple that most comsumers said they would buy due to it's sweetness and the delicious depth of flavour. The Discovery was the apple that customers rated the least appealing in flavour with the Estivale seen as good but not up there with the Pink Lady. Having tried it myself, I agreed with the customers. A truly superbly flavoured apple!
05 Sep 2008 Linda HMARYLAND, United States
Something about those Granny Smith apples just gives me chills. I like the taste, but they have a terrible texture for me. It feels like my tongue is being assaulted. LOVE the Pink Lady! They only apple me kids will ASK for. They say it tastes like candy.
03 Sep 2008 Alex KLIVERPOOL, ENGLAND, United Kingdom
I agree with the majority - Pink Lady's are fantastic, and my favourite type of apple. However, they are 10x better chilled. Some apples aren't great when cold, but Pink Lady apples keep all their chracteristics (juicy, crunchy, sweet). Get them in the fridge!!
03 Sep 2008 Ian FisherLEEDS, United Kingdom
I'm with you on this one Gary. My friend was constantly badgering me to try these pink lady apples. But they stand no where near to the high standards set by the deliciously crunchy and mouthwatering Granny Smith!!
14 Aug 2008 Gary PringleREADING, ENGLAND, United Kingdom
What a shame. These apples are so overrated! My taste buds were so let down after all this hype. Im sticking to Granny Smiths, they are God like!
12 Aug 2008 Orange PippinUnited Kingdom
Natalie, have a look at Santana, specifically developed to have low levels of allergenic compounds.
12 Aug 2008 Natalie CostaLONDON, United Kingdom
This is the ONLY apple that I am not allergic to so the sugar/chemical balance can't be a marketing ploy as there is something very special about this particular apple. All other varieties cause my mouth and throat to itch and swell but the Pink Lady doesn't, at first I believed it to be chemicals causing my reaction such as pesticides but obviously this is not the case.
06 Aug 2008 PaulettePROPHETSTOWN, ILLINOIS USA, United States
I purchased PINK Lady apples yesterday in a three pound net weight package at ALDI located in Sterling, IL. This package contains 2 1/2 inch dia. apples, perfect for munching. I'm baking a zucchini pie today and I'll be using three of these PINK Ladies in my pie along with the zucchini. Yummy!
04 Aug 2008 KHAWAII, United States
Just found these at the local Costco Warehouse store, they are just about the best apple I've ever had...I love the sweet/tart taste and crunch.
24 Jun 2008 BrianEUDORA, KANSAS, United States
we get pink lady apples at the community mercantile natural food market in lawrence, kansas. they are the best apple money can buy. love the tart, sweet, crunchy delight!
19 Jun 2008 AndreaBUSHKILL PA, United States
I found this page desperately looking for lady pink apples during the summer. I just discovered pink ladies by pure trial-error as I discover most produce. Their flavor is so unique and refreshing I made this fruit my favorite snack during the winter. Great for after running thirst, afternoon snack, fruit salads or while hiking. Apples were never in my shopping list until I tasted the pink ladies. While other apples are just common, grainy and plain I can't stop raving about the pink ladies to my girlfriends. What a shame I can't seem to find a place to buy them during the summer! As far as marketing, never saw a commercial or read an ad, so you can certainly say that the apple's flavor sold by itself!
17 Jun 2008 MurrayDEVON, United Kingdom
Tasty apple, I love its juicyness, bite, sweetness and acidicness (in that order!). Feel I can only afford them when they are on a special offer - helpful to have learnt why that is. This is great webpage.
11 Jun 2008 Roman PiwoszKRAKÓW, POLAND, Poland
first time I tested this apple in Turkey. I didnt know the name of aplle at this moment. But taste - amazing and exellent.
01 Jun 2008 Keith L. SpokesNORTHAMPTON U.K., United Kingdom
absolutely a great apple, even tho' the pips were growing inside the apple. I'm growing them on !
26 May 2008 YaronISRAEL, Israel
My local grocery store owner recommended me the pink lady. I took three to check them out. It is was by far the best apple I have ever eaten. Since then, I am hooked. I don't even bother buying the other brands. They are always the same high quality visual, feel, taste and smell. I don't know who thought of this combination first. But he is a damn genius :)

15 May 2008 Mrs Barbara ReynoldsCOVENTRY ENGLAND, United Kingdom
I have been eating Pink Lady Apples for well over a year and have bought them every week all through the winter and summer of 2007 and 2008. they never change in taste or firmness. If they stay the same, I will go, on buying for ever,or until they out- price themselves. Yours Barbara Reynolds.
14 May 2008 Dino MantovaniAXAMS - AUSTRIA, Austria
Close to my home town (Mantova - North Italy) a good friend of mine grows this apple. He has about 10.000 trees of Pink Lady. Personally I think this is one of the most delicious apple ever. I will try to graft this apple on my apple trees.
08 May 2008 MichelleLOUISVILLE, KY, United States
Best apple EVER! I'm always very excited to see these gems in my local produce market, and very sad when they go out of season. I love the texture. They are not at all mealy, and perfectly sweet/tart.
17 Apr 2008 Anne MarieNEW YORK, United States
I just tasted Pink Lady for the first time and I do not like it. Its sweetness is akin to the taste of an artificial sweetner, which I don't like. I will never buy it again.
10 Apr 2008 StacyIL, United States
When they're in season, I eat about 2 pounds of these a week. Now they're out of season and more expensive, and whenever I buy Braeburn or Fuji I am reminded of how much better Pink Ladies are... it's the tartness.
09 Apr 2008 KristaOTTAWA, ON, Canada
I've never been inspired to google my produce before so two thumbs up to this wonderful fruit which I've just discovered at our local market!
05 Apr 2008 Mary SmithMINNEAPOLIS, MN, United States
Makes some of the best applesauce!
31 Mar 2008 Miss CHAMILTON, SCOTLAND, United Kingdom
We love this apple!! It's pink blush is attractive and its succulent taste is devine! Go on the pinks!!! xxx
06 Mar 2008 StewartGOOLE UK, United Kingdom
I actually work with apples and my fave one is the Pink Lady we also use Cripps Pink in some of our products even tho they are the same product pink lady has a much better taste and texture as well as the slight colour difference the cripps pink usually has a lot more green on it which is probably the reason for it not making pink lady standards but anyway im not an apple lover but pink lady made me eat a lot more yummy
28 Feb 2008 JayDELAWARE, United States
Re: Sam from NJ As of today, our local Trader Joe's in Wilmington, DE has 2 or 3 lb bags of Pink Ladies for sale. They're sourced from a grower/packer in Washington state and are labeled 'Cripps Pink'. If your nearest TJ's doesn't have them, speak to the mgr. Or take a drive to Delaware where there's no Sales Tax!
19 Feb 2008 Peter BuusDenmark
I do love the all Pink Ladies. however, I am little in doubt what are the difference between Pink Lady, Cripps Pink and Crip's? Please clarify for me if you know any details

16 Feb 2008 JoeMUNICH, Germany
I have bought these several times in the store and find them delicious! They are very sweet and have something that reminds me of roses. I also like that they are very crisp and I have never had one that is mealy.
15 Feb 2008 SamNJ, United States
Where can i by this apple in NJ?
06 Feb 2008 MarcVANCOUVER, Canada
Yum!!! I recently purchased some in a 2lb bag marketed under the Organic President's Choice label (of Loblaws). The closest to the Pink Lady's lovely texture and flavour are Ambrosia apples but they can get mealy like a lousy Delicous, if not fresh. While I haven't cooked with the Pink Lady I bet they would be superior in pies.
04 Feb 2008 Karen LevalleyBRYANTOWN, MARYLAND, United States
This is by far one of the best apples I have ever had. Its crunchy, sweet and juicy. I tell all my friends about it and they are also becoming hooked like myself.
29 Jan 2008 SteveMUDGEE, NSW,, Australia
We have a Pink Lady apple tree that produces absolutely MASSES of fruit every year. It's heartbreaking that only about half of it becomes an acceptable eating apple. We are obviously spoiled for choice here because we don't consider it as nice as say the Fuji. we do agree with Suzette that it's even better than the Granny Smith as a cooking apple in say pies or apple muffins. You do have to wait a long time before they are completely ripe, otherwise they are very floury and acidic. By this time, half of them have fallen off the tree and are devoured by the rabbits....
28 Jan 2008 KellyATLANTA, GEORGIA USA, United States
I love this apple. I tried it for the first time last week and I have been back to the store twice and have ate at least 7 of them. My daughter loves that also, she said they are the best apples she has tasted.. EVER!! (She is 9 years old)
27 Jan 2008 NorahONTARIO, Canada
No need for any more descriptions of the Pink Lady they have all been said, my supermarket doesn't always have them but yesterday, there they were I was so excited! They are by far the best apple I have ever eaten and will continue, of course to buy them.
23 Jan 2008 ErickaCT, United States
I am not usually an apple eater. Having said this and tasting just out of curiosity. I am now an regular Pink Lady Apple Fan!!! This apple is the most delicious apple I have ever tasted!!!
10 Jan 2008 Patricia MaloneTUCSON AZ, United States
I have to agree that your assesment of the flavor of the Pink Lady is wrong. This is the most delicious apple I've ever eaten. I don't like real sweet apples, so have been eating Granny Smith until I saw the Pink Lady in Fry's grocery store last year, bought 6, ate them in 2 days and had to go buy more. They are sweet yet tart, juicy, crisp but not hard. I was able to buy them until the end of October, and now the stores are starting to get them in again. I'm so glad someone thought to cross the Golden Delicious and Lady William to come up with this wonderful Pink Lady apple.
08 Jan 2008 GeorgiaLONDON, United Kingdom
I'm not the biggest fan of fruit (strange for a life-long vegetarian) but my children love most types of fruit. I have only recently bought Pink Lady, wanting to try something different to the children's usual organic Gala apple diet. I must say the entire family was surprised at how delicious the fruit is - I try to come up with a fancy description of the apple, but can now see why so many people on this site are describing the apple as crisp, juicy and sweet - because that is exactly what it is! My 4 year old daughter can't get enough of them (I have to ration them as they are ludicrously expensive!). As I previously mentioned I don't eat much fruit, but since discovering the Pink Lady, I have probably eaten more fruit in one week than I usually do in an entire month. Pink Lady is a great way to get your kids (and fussy adults) to eat more fruit!!
06 Jan 2008 Jeffrey MeltzerINDIANA,USA, United States
These apples have the absolte best combination of texture and taste. An incredibly crunchy exterior and exquisite combo of tart and sweel make these the best apples I have tasted. Only Fuji apples when 1st available could compete. The past several years of Fuji crops seem a bit of a disaster though this past year has been much improved.
29 Dec 2007 BradNEW YORK, NY, United States
Your assessment is surprisingly off. I would characterize myself as a real apple fanatic and have access to numerous varieties, and have probably sampled 25+ types. This apple is a winner. Unique, tangy, sweet and tart--not many like it. I think it deserves all the attention. OP: Fair enough - it is down to personal taste in the end.
29 Dec 2007 DeniseLOS ANGELES, United States
I'm watching my sugar intake and I also need to increase vitamin C uptake, so I'm looking for apples that are particularly tart and less sweet. I'm also interested in Heirloom fruits because I'd like to eat fruits that my genes evolved on. The pink Lady was a perfect balance between sweet and tart, the marketing techniques are turning me off a bit since I tend to rebel against establishment. I bought a bag of organic pink Lady's at Trader Joe's.... very affordable. This will be my last bag of pink lady because I'm looking for older heirloom varieties. Not too comfortable with fruits developed in this century. Denise
28 Nov 2007 MarisaAustralia
Marketing aside, in hot climates, this apple, eaten straight from the fridge, is akin to a refreshing cold cider. It is tart, juicy and somehow sweet all at the same time. Never floury or dull, only pure, crispy apple goodness. Now living in London, I just wish I could buy them here!
14 Nov 2007 Paul BeattySTOCKPORT, United Kingdom
Just eaten my second Pink Lady. I took it at first for a Gala. I thought it had a very good balance of acid and sweetness with a solid crunch factor. The flavour is good though perhaps a little lightweight against a good Granny Smith or a Cox's. The Golden delicious has very bad reputation in the UK, mainly I always felt because it was taken too late from the trees. Early Golden Delicious, when the apple was still green were a much better apple. I shall look forward to my next Pink Lady and will look out for Cripps Pink for comparison.
08 Nov 2007 RachelTEXAS, United States
They are great. I was so happy to find an apple not as sweet as the delicious varieties and not as tart as the granny's. They are a perfect blend of sweet and tart.
06 Nov 2007 BrianDenmark
This is a fantastic apple! I must say this is my favourite apple. It is way better than other apples I've tried, it is juicy, sweet , fresh and crisp. It is really one of a kind.
01 Nov 2007 Randy SingerSEATTLE, WA, United States
This is probably my favorite apple. And I live in Washington State, so I get to eat a lot of Apples. It is consistently good. The Pink Ladies are definately better than the Cripps Pinks.
21 Oct 2007 SuzetteSAN FRANCISCO, CALIFORNIA, United States
I wanted to bake an apple pie, but I wanted to see which apple really was the best. I bought each variety available in the store (about 6), and found that as far as the raw apples went, the Pink Lady was even better than the Pippin or Granny Smith, though I did like the Jazz and Gala too. Anyway, I made the pie using the Pink Lady apples. It was outstanding. I highly recommend it. I only wish I could get Cox's apples here in the US. They would make great pies too.
14 Oct 2007 Gillian ParryNORTHAMPTON, United Kingdom
delicious,the best.
02 Oct 2007 DeeUnited States
This is the best apple I have ever had. I love the texture and the full flavor. They have definitely become a staple in my fruit drawer.
28 May 2007 DavidGEORGIA, United States
Best apple I ever had! Heard that often, shared it often with customers in my small health food store, where I just sell Pink Ladies and Fujis
17 May 2007 FredaUnited Kingdom
Last week for the first time ever I purchase Pink Lady Apples - WOW from the very first bite I was won over. They not only look delicious and full of flavour they are such a beautifully crisp but not hard apple with loads of sweet juice and so full of flavour that I have bought them again. They will certainly become a regular feature of the fruit bowl in our home."
02 Apr 2007 TomUnited Kingdom
The Pink Lady apple's appearance on the Spanish market has proven to be a refreshing arrival. One looks forward to its appearance with elan. Since it doesn't seem to be in the shops for very long, one brings home bags of them to enjoy while one can. It is one of the most seductive apples we know. Its attractive colour matches it's perfect inner life - highly aromatic with each sweet, juicy, barely tart bite offering a delightful leap of confidance for the tastebuds. One can rely on it for its consistant almost perfume-like scent, exceptional taste and firm-but-not-hard texture. Pink Lady never disappoints. It delivers all it promises.
29 Mar 2007 RyanALABAMA, United States
I have noticed that the sourness of this apple wanes after they sit out for a while and become more ripe, but I never did think they tasted more than a tad-bit sour anyway. The sweetness is what is pronounced to me, and the texture. Nonetheless, they are juicy, crisp yet not hard, they last a long time and are indeed one of our favorite apple varieties yet here in Montgomery, Alabama, USA. We used to be hooked on Fuji apples, but not since Pink Ladies showed up! Galas are another one of our favorites
23 Mar 2007 JgTENNESSEE, United States
I just had my first Sonja apple. It was really different and very sweet.  I still like Pink Lady best of all
13 Mar 2007 MarkPALM DESERT, CA, United States
Some great information for a truly great apple… I haven’t had any apples in quite a while, but this apple has renewed my taste."

09 Feb 2007 HoneyCORFU, GREECE, Greece
I was given a Pink Lady apple as a gift from my boyfriend. When I got home and sat down to eat it, I was so surprised by it! It's what an apple should be like. But, very seldom is. I told him about it the next day, and we went to the Alpha Beta store and bought some more. We have them every morning now, and as we eat them we contemplate where they may have come from and what makes them so good. So, today I went online to look them up and found your website. Thanks for a chance to talk about them. They are the best apples we've ever tasted. I come from Northern California in mendocino where we had some very good apples, especially Golden Delicious. My boyfriend comes from England where he longingly remembers some of the best apples."
02 Feb 2007 BobTEXAS, United States
My wife & I enjoyed your article very much.  We are both big fans of the “Pink Lady”, and were shocked to read that you’re “not so sure the flavour is quite up there with the best modern varieties”.  For us, the apple’s visual attractiveness may have been what we first noticed.  But its refreshing sweet & sour taste is what continues to fascinate us.  It’s hard to imagine a better tasting apple
01 Feb 2007 Tom B.United States
I just picked up a few of these at our local market after seeing them for the first time. They were visually attractive and tasted as good as I hoped. Fresh and crispy, tart and sweet. I found it very pleasant to eat and quickly nibbled it down to a tiny core. Two thumbs up!! They will be riding in my lunch pail frequently.
01 Jan 2007 VivianCALIFORNIA, United States
We very much agree with what is written as far as the flavor of the Pink Lady Apple.  I just bought some for the first time in a local grocery store here in California.   Before my husband knew it was a 'mixed breed' he commented that its flavor was like a cross between a Delicious apple and a Green apple, sweet, yet tart.  He very much likes that flavor of the this apple, as well as the fact the flesh is crisp and juicy

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Fruit tree register

Do you have a tree of this variety in your garden or orchard? If so please register the details here and contribute to our international register of fruit trees.

The following Pink Lady trees have been registered - click the name to view more details of each tree.

You can also view these trees on a map.

United States

France

Australia

New Zealand



Latest Spring blossom records for this variety

2013 season

  • 7th May  2013  - tree owned by Albany in CASTLETON, United States

2012 season

  • April  2012  - tree owned by George in RIVERSIDE, United States
  • 19th March  2012  - tree owned by Randy in BAXLEY, United States

2011 season

  • April  2011  - tree owned by George in RIVERSIDE, United States

2010 season

  • April  2010  - tree owned by George in RIVERSIDE, United States

2009 season

  • April  2009  - tree owned by George in RIVERSIDE, United States

Record your blossom dates in our Fruit Tree Register - more >>.

Latest harvest records for this variety

2013 season

  • 4th week May  2013  - tree owned by Katrina in NELSON, New Zealand

2012 season

  • 3rd week August  2012  - tree owned by Lloyd in BEAVERTON, United States

2011 season

  • 2nd week November  2011  - tree owned by Jennifer in EUREKA, United States
  • 1st week November  2011  - tree owned by Randy in BAXLEY, United States
  • October  2011  - tree owned by George in RIVERSIDE, United States

2010 season

  • October  2010  - tree owned by George in RIVERSIDE, United States

2009 season

  • October  2009  - tree owned by George in RIVERSIDE, United States

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