Sunburst is a new apple variety, developed in the UK. It features a bright orange-flushed skin, and a pale pink marbled flesh.
The parentage is originally Gala and Falstaff, and the apples have a close resemblance to the latter.
The pink flesh is the result of anthocyanin pigments, probably from the introduction of a pink-fleshed variety in the initial development. The flavor of many pink-fleshed varieties can be disappointing, but getting the flavor right was one of the main aims of the development team for Sunburst.
The variety has been promoted by UK supermarket chain Waitrose in time for Halloween - not surprising, given its pumpkin-like colors.
USDA identification images for Sunburst
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
- 11 Nov 2024 KENT, United KingdomWhen fresh picked this is a fantastic apple to eat. It is very sweet and crunchy in addition to his external and internal appearance
- 10 Mar 2024Hi, I haven’t tasted sunburst but am looking for a semi standard apple tree to pollinate our Lane’s Prince Albert, as our Red Falstaff got badly diseased. We are at about 800 feet in the South Yorkshire Pennines.
Tree register
United Kingdom
- Luis Carlos Abellan Dominguez in Borough Green, KENT
Origins
- Species: Malus domestica - Apple
- Parentage: Gala, Falstaff, Pink Pearl
- Originates from: United Kingdom
- Introduced: 2006
- Developed by: NIAB EMR
Identification
- Country of origin: United Kingdom
- Period of origin: 2000
- Flesh colour: Pink / Red
- Fruit size: Average
Using
- Picking season: Mid
- Keeping (of fruit): 2-3 weeks
- Flavour quality: Good
- Flavour style (apples): Sweet/Sharp
- Cropping: Good
- Food uses: Eating fresh
- Food uses: Juice
Growing
- Gardening skill: Average
- Flowering group: 3
- Ploidy: Diploid
- Vigour: Average vigour
- Attractive features: Attractive fruit
- Self-fertility: Not self-fertile
Where to buy fresh fruit
No orchards have registered as growing this variety. If you grow this and want to register please go to our Orchard Registration form.