Winter Banana Apple

Heirloom dessert apple discovered as chance seedling on David Flory's farm in Cass County (Adamsboro), Indiana, circa 1876. Also known as Flory Apple, Flory Banana, and Banana Apple. Commercially introduced by Greening Brothers Nursery, Monroe, Michigan, in 1890. Large, conical to round fruits with waxy, smooth, pale yellow skin and pink-red blush. Self-fertile diploid variety, making it excellent pollinator for other apple varieties. Late bloomer (frost protection), precocious (fruits year 2-3), low-chill variety. Trees reach 12-16 feet with vigorous, pyramidal growth habit.

Crisp, juicy, ivory to pale yellow flesh with mild, balanced sweet-tart flavor. Distinctive subtly fruity, tropical aroma reminiscent of banana or pineapple at peak maturity (described as "suggestion of musk" by pomologist U.P. Hedrick in 1925). Semi-coarse texture. Sugar 12.5%, acid 7g/liter, vitamin C 12mg/100g. Best for fresh eating; flavors diminish in cooking and storage. Flavor improves with storage; harvest October, eating quality peaks December-April.

Gained rapid popularity in colder apple-growing regions including Maine. Popular in England and Germany in early 1900s despite difficulty growing in cold climate, creating exclusivity. Mid-20th century specialty variety highly prized for fruit baskets and gifting by English upper class. Never commercially successful due to thin, easily bruised skin unsuitable for mechanical handling. Relegated to pollinator role in commercial orchards (particularly for Delicious, Winesap, Spitzenberg). Today grown primarily in home gardens and specialty markets as rare dessert variety in U.S., Canada, and Europe.