The Astrachan Apple has a white flesh that develops red streaks as it ripens. It is crisp, finely-textured, juicy and tart. The flesh goes soft in storage, however.
The apples are ready to harvest August or early September.
The tree tends to be more productive every two years. The fruit can sometimes fall off the tree before it is ripe.
Astrachan Apples can be used as a fresh-eating apple, or as a cooking apple if harvested when still somewhat green. Some say it is also good for cider and for applesauce, if harvested early.
Despite the problems of storage, the tree bearing lightly every other year, and some apples falling off the tree, it is still grown by many because it is available early, and they like it for apple sauce.
Storage Hints
Doesn’t store well.
History Notes
Astrachan Apples originated in Russia then travelled to Sweden. It reached the UK by 1816, and was sent from the London Horticultural Society to the Massachusetts Horticultural Society in Boston in 1835, along with Alexander Apples, Red Astrachan Apples, and Tetofsky.