They have pale green skin, mostly covered in dark red. The skin occasionally feels greasy.
Inside they have crisp, juicy, firm yellow flesh, with a sharp, slightly sweet taste. Some detect a hint of spice in the taste.
The fruit ripens in October / early November. It stays well on the tree. The longer they are left on, the brighter the red of the skin, and the fuller the flavour. However, if left on too long, the flesh can become watery in the centre, so they should be picked when the skin has turned bright.
The tree is bushy.
Cooking Tips
For fresh-eating, pies, sauce, and cider. Becomes yellow when cooked.
Storage Hints
Stores okay.
History Notes
King David Apples were found in 1893 growing along the fence of a farm belonging to a Ben Frost in Durham, Washington County, Arkansas, USA.
They were introduced commercially in 1902 by the Stark Brothers Nursery of Missouri, who trademarked the name and the apple, and thought it would replace Jonathan apples in popularity.
They are presumed to be a cross between Jonathan and either Arkansas Black or Winesap apples.