Beautiful rosy-red all-purpose heirloom of central Maine. Ripens shortly after Labor Day. Medium-sized round-conic fruit has a large prominent russet splash surrounding the stem that offsets the vibrant blush. Mild flavor, sweet and low in acidity. Cooks up fairly quickly into a very decent sauce.

One of the many varieties introduced—or popularized—by famed Belgrade orchardist Joseph Taylor. First mentioned in Maine Farmer in 1873. In 2001 Russell Libby discovered what may well have been the world’s last Judy tree while poking around at a yard sale in Belgrade, a few miles from where the apple originated. That tree was likely set out by Carroll Sawyer, whose grandson Terry identified the apple for Russell, who called John that night giddy with excitement. It was a great find and has been preserved at the Maine Heritage Orchard.

Blooms midseason. Z4. Maine Grown. (Standard: 3-6' bare-root trees)