Scientific name Malus domestica 'Macoun' Rank Cultivar | Higher classification Apple | |
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Hybrid parentage 'McIntosh' × 'Jersey Black' Origin Geneva, New York, USA, introduced 1923 Similar Apple, Cortland, Empire Apples, Northern Spy, Ginger Gold | ||
'Macoun' apples are a cross between the 'McIntosh' and 'Jersey Black' cultivars. The Macoun ("Ma-cown," after the variety's namesake, Canadian horticulturalist W.T. Macoun, but sometimes also pronounced either "Ma-coon" or "McCowan") was developed at the New York State Agricultural Experiment Station in Geneva, by Richard Wellington. It was first introduced in 1923, and is an eating apple. Macouns are also very popular at roadside stands and pick-your-own farms. Availability is generally October through November.
Contents
Aside from its short season of availability, the popularity of the apple is somewhat compromised by the problems it gives orchardists. The 'Macoun' has a short stem, and there is a tendency for the apple to push itself off the branch as the fruit matures; also, the 'Macoun' tends not to produce reliable crops each year, with a good harvest followed by a sparser one.
The patent application for the 'Honeycrisp' apple stated that it was descended from 'Macoun' crossed with 'Honeygold', but this has since been disproved by genetic testing.
Spreading by pruning macoun apple tree
Characteristics
The skin is a dark red with a purplish flush. Its very firm flesh is juicy and snow white, tasting sweet with a hint of berry.