They have smooth, thin golden yellow skin covered with carmine red blushes and stripes. The side which got the sun will have darker red colourings. The skin is bright; becoming duller after picking.
Inside, the apples have aromatic, finely-textured, tender, juicy yellow flesh.
The tree needs cross-pollination, and can be slow to start bearing fruit. It grows well in the American South, and was once popular in central North Carolina.
During growing season, the fruit often needs thinning. It ripens by September; after September at higher altitudes. It won’t stay well on the trees once ripe.
The fruit bruises too easily to be shipped well.
Cooking Tips
For fresh-eating.
Storage Hints
Does not store well.
History Notes
Mother Apples originated from the farm of a General Stephen P. Gardner of Bolton, Worcester County, Massachusetts, United States. The parentage of the original tree was unknown. Introduced 1840 / 1844.