Chieftain apple

Chieftain identification images

USDA identification images for Chieftain

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

• 09 Dec 2020  NeilWA, United States

  I am a backyard grower. I have 5 different trees with a Chieftain being one of them. I planted my Chieftain tree several years ago and have good fully developed fruit two years now. Both years the apples have been very firm and sort of dry. I have eaten them through the harvesting season. I am going to replace this tree this spring with a different variety. My other trees are Pixie Crunch (love x2), Honey Crisp (love), Gold Rush (sort of love), Mutsu/Crispin (Love), Chieftain (don't love, replacing with Rubinette).
• 21 Feb 2020  JenniferMINNESOTA, United States

  Could anyone please comment on the season of this apple? When is it ripe for you? I have one but it hasn't fruited yet.
• 01 Nov 2019  GretchenWI, United States

  One of our favorite apples. Too bad they're so hard to find. The reviewer who says they're mealy likely had over-ripe ones. They do get mealy when over-ripened. If picked at the right time they're very crisp and juicy. These apples are great for cooking and baking.
• 20 Oct 2019  Nathan GrosseWISCONSIN, United States

  Gorgeous, deep red skin and pale, creamy flesh. Extremely firm with a slightly mealy texture. The flavor is tart at first but quickly mellows out. I have not cooked with this variety, but with its firmness, I would imagine it holds up to heat very well.
• 19 Nov 2018  CindyMN, United States

  As Orchard owners, this is one of our favorite varieties. The fruit is sweet, crisp and beautiful with deep red skin and beautiful white flesh. Perfect choice for Waldorf Salad. It is hearty and can withstand colder temperatures than most varieties.
• 19 Nov 2018  CindyMN, United States

  As Orchard owners, this is one of our favorite varieties. The fruit is sweet, crisp and beautiful with deep red skin and beautiful white flesh. Perfect choice for Waldorf Salad. It is hearty and can withstand colder temperatures than most varieties.
• 17 Jul 2011  DonIA WOODBURY, United States

  While I agree in general with the listed traits expressed on this web, I would like to add some more. The Chieftan, while round, has a firm snappy skin, or crispy which ever you prefer. The interior is of a thick very tangy, sweet and crunchy apple to eat. They are great if you have good teeth but to take a bite you need good teeth to snap off a chunk to chew. Either that or use a paring knife for slices. I have made pie, apple crisp and some other food stuffs with these apples and absolutely love them. They make maybe the best apple crisp and apple pies that you have ever tasted. Just cut way back on the sugar as they are naturally quite sweet and you really do not want to drown out the tartness. Try them this way and I bet you will be the rave. There are apple orchards that grow these yearly south of me about 75 miles in Mondamin, Iowa along I-29. Splendid apple. Enjoy !

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Where to buy fresh fruit

The following orchards grow Chieftain:

United States

• Arizona

  • Beatty's Orchard, Hereford

• Iowa

  • 3 Bee Farms, Griswold
  • Allen's Orchard, Marion
  • Appleberry Farm, Marshalltown
  • Applecart Orchard, Vinton
  • Blueridge Orchard, Denver
  • Center Grove Orchard, Cambridge
  • Community Orchards, Fort Dodge
  • Deal's Orchard, Jefferson
  • Ditmars Orchard, Council Bluffs
  • East View Orchard, Fredericksburg
  • Gravert's Apple Basket Orchard, Sabula
  • Hillside Orchard, Newell
  • Iowa Orchard, Urbandale
  • Smalls Fruit Farm, Mondamin
  • Wilson's Orchard, Iowa City

• Michigan

  • Alber's Orchard & Cider Mill, Manchester

• Nebraska

  • Degroot Orchards, Madison

• New Hampshire

  • Old Ciderpress Farm, Westmoreland

• Wisconsin

  • Bauer's Apple Shed, Hortonville