Gravenstein Apple Tree

Gravenstein is one of the oldest and most revered apple varieties in the world — an antique Danish heirloom originating circa 1797 (also known as gråsten) that has earned a devoted following for over two centuries for its remarkable fresh-eating flavor. The medium-to-large fruit has attractive red-over-green skin and creamy yellow flesh that’s firm, crisp, and juicy with a lively tart flavor that connoisseurs consistently rank among the finest of any apple. Cold hardy all the way to Zone 2 and equally outstanding for fresh eating, baking, and sauce, Gravenstein is a genuine orchard treasure.

Remarkable Fresh-Eating Flavor — A Connoisseur’s Apple

Gravenstein’s flavor is what sets it apart and keeps it in continuous cultivation after 225 years. The crisp, juicy, creamy yellow flesh has a lively, tart, complex character that’s deeply satisfying and genuinely exceptional when eaten fresh at peak ripeness. It holds its shape beautifully when baked — ideal for pies and tarts where structure matters — and makes excellent applesauce with real flavor depth. Whether fresh off the tree, baked, or sauced, Gravenstein delivers at every use.

A Danish Heirloom Since 1797

Gravenstein traces its origins to Denmark around 1797, where it was known as gråsten after the village and castle of the same name. It spread across Europe and eventually to North America, where it found particular devotion in the apple-growing regions of California, the Pacific Northwest, and New England. Growing Gravenstein today is a direct connection to over two centuries of apple heritage — a variety so beloved it has been cultivated continuously longer than the United States has existed.

Cold Hardy to Zone 2 — Exceptionally Wide Range

Most apple varieties reach their cold hardiness limit around Zone 4 or 5. Gravenstein’s cold hardiness to Zone 2 is extraordinary — one of the most cold-tolerant apple varieties available and a meaningful option for growers in the far northern United States and Canada where quality apple growing options are genuinely limited.

Important: Gravenstein is a Triploid variety and cannot pollinate other apple trees. It requires at least two different compatible diploid apple varieties planted nearby to set fruit.

Why Growers Choose Gravenstein

• Ranked among the finest-flavored apples in the world — crisp, juicy, complex, and tart
• Danish heirloom since 1797 — over 225 years of continuous cultivation
• Holds shape when baked — excellent for pies, tarts, and desserts
• Outstanding for sauce — flavor depth that cooked apples rarely achieve
• Cold hardy to Zone 2 — one of the most cold-tolerant apple varieties available
• Organic options available — for growers who want a certified organic tree