Apple, Arkansas Black

Tree Care:

Planting: Choose a sunny location with well-draining soil.

Watering: Keep soil consistently moist, especially during the first year.

Pruning: Prune in late winter to remove dead or crossing branches.

Fertilizing: Apply a balanced, slow-release fertilizer in early spring.

Mulching: Add mulch around the base, but keep it away from the trunk.

Pest and Disease Control: Monitor for pests and diseases; apply controls as needed.

Harvesting: Pick ripe apples in late fall when they are firm and dark red-black.

Tree Description:

Size/Shape: Medium-sized tree with a spreading canopy.

- Leaves: Medium-sized, oval-shaped, dark green leaves.

- Blossoms: Small, white to pale pink blossoms in spring.

- Fruit: Medium-sized apples with dark purple to nearly black skin, tart and rich taste, excellent for baking and cider.

- Harvest: Ready for picking in late fall, often after the first frost.

- Use: Preferred for cooking and cider-making due to its tartness and unique color.

Fruit Description:

Fruit:
- The Arkansas Black Apple is medium to large in size.
- Its skin is dark purple to nearly black, giving it a unique and striking appearance.
- The flesh beneath the dark skin is yellowish-white.
- The flavor is tart and rich, with a hint of sweetness, making it ideal for baking and cider production.

Culinary Use:
- Arkansas Black Apples are primarily used for cooking and cider-making due to their tartness and unique color.
- They are excellent for making pies, sauces, and apple butter.
- While they can be eaten fresh, their firm texture and tartness make them less commonly consumed as a fresh snack.