The Ambrosia apple is a globally recognized modern variety, valued for its distinctive eating experience. Its popularity stems from a unique combination of sweetness and texture that appeals to a wide consumer base. This variety represents a shift in consumer preference toward lower acidity and high sugar content. Notably, the Ambrosia did not originate from a traditional, intentional breeding program.
Defining the Ambrosia Apple
The Ambrosia apple is characterized by a creamy yellow base covered with a bright, glossy pink-red blush, making it a visually striking fruit on the shelf. Its flesh is notably firm and cream-colored, offering a crisp yet fine-grained texture that is pleasant to bite into. This apple is defined by its low acidity, which allows its sweetness to dominate the flavor profile.
The flavor is often described as honeyed, sometimes having subtle floral notes likened to pear or melon. A significant advantage of the Ambrosia is that its flesh is slow to oxidize or brown after slicing. This variety also exhibits excellent storability, maintaining its crisp texture and flavor for several months when kept under proper refrigeration.
The Unique Origin Story
The Ambrosia apple originated from a chance discovery rather than a planned hybridization effort. The original tree was found growing as an unexpected seedling in the early 1990s in an orchard in Cawston, British Columbia, Canada. Orchardists Wilfrid and Sally Mennell noticed the unique tree among a row of Jonagold apple trees and recognized the fruit’s exceptional quality.
Since the parentage is unknown, it is classified as a “chance seedling,” though Golden Delicious and Starking Delicious apples growing nearby are suspected to be involved. The Ambrosia is a proprietary cultivar, meaning its propagation is strictly controlled through patents and plant breeders’ rights. It operates as a “club” variety, where a dedicated organization manages quality standards and commercial production. Growers must purchase certified stock and pay a royalty to cultivate the apple commercially.
Cultivating Ambrosia Trees
The Ambrosia apple tree is an upright, spreading variety that generally thrives in cooler climates (USDA Hardiness Zones 4 through 8). It requires a location that receives full sun for at least eight hours daily and well-drained soil with a slightly acidic pH (ideally between 6.0 and 7.0). The tree requires cross-pollination to set fruit, necessitating the planting of a compatible variety nearby, such as Fuji, Gala, or Granny Smith.
Regular pruning is necessary to maintain vigor and fruit size. Initial training focuses on establishing well-angled lateral branches, and annual winter pruning manages size and encourages fruit-bearing wood. The variety shows moderate susceptibility to common diseases like Apple Scab but is generally considered hardy and productive. Due to its proprietary status, home gardeners must purchase a certified, grafted tree from a licensed nursery, as unauthorized asexual propagation is legally restricted while the patent is active.