They have yellowish-green skin covered in shiny, dark red flushes, with occasional russetting.
Inside, they have off-white, coarse, firm, juicy flesh. It has a rich, sweet taste balanced with a bit of tartness.
The apples ripen in late September. They are best stored a bit before eating — some say in fact this apple is best after Christmas. It develops a nice fruity aroma after a bit in storage.
The tree tends to bear fruit every other year.
Cooking Tips
For fresh-eating.
Retains its shape when cooked; good baked and good for pie and caramel apples.
Storage Hints
Stores well, until April and May.
History Notes
Melrose Apples were developed by a Dr Freeman S. Howlett of the Ohio Agricultural Experiment Station, Wooster, Ohio from a cross between Jonathan and Red Delicious apples. Introduced 1944.
Literature & Lore
Melrose is the official apple of the state of Ohio.