Cortland Apple Tree

Cortland is the apple that stays white. Its crisp, snow-white flesh resists browning after cutting — a genuinely rare quality that makes it the go-to apple for fruit salads, cheese boards, entertaining platters, and any recipe where appearance matters. Developed in 1898 at the New York State Agricultural Experiment Station as a cross between Ben Davis and McIntosh, it was introduced in 1915 and has been a staple of American home orchards for over a century. Cold hardy to Zone 4, productive, and versatile, it remains one of the most trusted heirloom apple varieties you can grow.

The Apple That Doesn’t Brown

Cortland’s non-browning flesh isn’t just a party trick — it’s a practical kitchen advantage that sets it apart from virtually every other apple variety. Slice it for a fruit platter hours before guests arrive, toss it into a salad without lemon juice, or pack it in a lunchbox without worry. The flesh stays white and fresh-looking long after cutting, making Cortland uniquely valuable for fresh applications where presentation matters.

Balanced Flavor, Exceptional Culinary Range

Cortland’s balanced sweet-tart flavor with crisp texture makes it as strong in the kitchen as it is on the cutting board. It’s excellent for fresh eating, produces smooth, refreshing cider, holds its shape beautifully in pies and baked desserts, and preserves well. Few apple varieties perform this reliably across such a wide range of uses — fresh, cooked, juiced, or preserved.

A Cold-Hardy Heirloom With Over 125 Years of Proven Performance

Developed at Cornell University’s Geneva experiment station, Cortland was built for northern climates and has been delivering for home growers since 1915. It ripens in mid-September with reliable crops of large, bright red fruit, stores well in cool conditions into winter, and brings that distinctive fresh-cut quality to every harvest.

Why Growers Choose Cortland

• Non-browning flesh — stays crisp and white after cutting, unlike most apple varieties
• Over 125 years of proven performance — a true American heirloom since 1915
• Exceptional culinary range — outstanding for fresh eating, salads, cider, baking, and preserving
• Cold hardy to Zone 4 — reliable performance in challenging northern climates
• Productive and consistent — reliable crops of large, bright red fruit each September
• Organic options available — for growers who want a certified organic tree

A licensed variety of Cornell University.