McIntosh is without doubt one of the great North American apple varieties. Like its 19th century contemporaries Golden Delicious and Red Delicious, it has become a highly influential apple variety with numerous offspring. However unlike those varieties its popularity has not spread outside North America, and indeed most "Mac" production, remains centred in New England and across the border in Quebec and Ontario.
The apple was discovered by a John McIntosh, a farmer in Ontario in the early 19th century, and he and his family became involved in propagating the variety. The McIntosh apple was ideally suited to the climate of the area, being a heavy and reliable cropper with good cold hardiness. McIntosh achieves its best flavor in colder apple-growing regions.
The McIntosh style is typified by attractive dark red or (more often) crimson colours, and a crunchy bite, often with bright white flesh. The flavor is simple and direct, generally sweet but with refreshing acidity, and usually a hint of wine - often referred to as "vinous".
In general these apples keep reasonably well in store, but the flavor falls away quite rapidly - although remaining perfectly pleasant. Nevertheless to get the full vinous sugar rush it is best straight from the tree.
These characteristics - the crimson colour, white flesh, and vinous flavour (which fades in storage) - are invariably apparent in its numerous offspring, making this one of the easiest apple styles to identify in taste tests. Indeed McIntosh appears to have very strong genes because its offspring are invariably crimson-colored with bright white flesh, regardless of the nature of the other parent. As a result, telling the offspring apart is a not that easy - the distinctive Mac flavor tends to cut across the characteristics of the other parent. (The one exception is Sunrise, an excellent apple in its own right, but with a very different flavor and a more obvious visual similarity to its other parent, Golden Delicious).
Here is an interesting photo showing several of the McIntosh family together:
Left to right: Fameuse, McIntosh, Cortland, Liberty, Lobo, Spartan, Sunrise.
McIntosh remains very popular in the north-eastern USA, and across the border in Ontario and Quebec. However it is probably fair to say that most of its offspring are actually better apples in one way or another. They invariably exhibit "that" flavor, often better than the Mac itself, as well as offering other attributes such as being easier to grow or storing better. However for many Mac enthusiasts only the original will do.
McIntosh apple identification images
All images copyright Orange Pippin unless otherwise stated.
USDA identification images for McIntosh
The identification paintings in the USDA Pomological Watercolor Collection span the years 1886 to 1942.
Citation: U.S. Department of Agriculture Pomological Watercolor Collection. Rare and Special Collections, National Agricultural Library, Beltsville, MD 20705.
Parents and other ancestors of this variety
- Detroit Red (parent)
- Fameuse (parent)
Offspring of this variety
Visitor reviews
- 01 Apr 2023I miss the Mac of my youth in North Central Washington State. Great info here. A lot of research went into this website ??
- 29 Sep 2022I live in Folsom Ca. but was born and raised in Endicott NY and Mcintosh apple was my favorite. I just wondered if you knew where I could purchase these apples in the coming months. I found a store Raleys last year and went every other day to buy a dozen until they said no more were available. As you can see I really eat a lot of them & my granddaughter keeps asking when I'm going to buy them this year as she loves them too. Thanks
- 19 Sep 2021 MINNESOTA, United StatesThis is the perfect apple. Excellent texture, balanced slightly tart flavor, and dazzling white flesh.
- 06 Mar 2020 NEW JERSEY, United StatesI thoroughly enjoyed eating this crisp apple. It had the perfect level of sweetness and bitter all in one and the color was impeccable. 10/10 apples would recommend to my fellow farmers and apple connoisseurs
- 11 Oct 2019 WIS, United StatesBought McIntosh apples they were bitter and red when peeled Threw them away!!!!!
- 13 Sep 2019 MONTANA, United StatesMcIntosh apples have been my favorite since childhood, but I'm disappointed in the thick wax on the ones in stores. Fortunately, I've had a McIntosh tree for several years which produces well every year. My only regret is how long it takes until harvest. Jonathan apples are another favorite. Both have wonderful flavor.
- 07 Jun 2019 MI, United StatesI read comments about the McIntosh apple being soft and not crunchy and I know what you mean..The apples you buy in a stores are like that. I have 6 McIntosh apples in my home orchard and they are crunchy and about as good of a fresh eating apple you can get..Great for apple sauce also..My trees are full of blossoms this spring..Looking forward to eating as many as I can later this summer in to early this fall..
- 04 Oct 2018 MARYLAND, United StatesA pristine, ripe McIntosh apple straight off the tree is one of the miracles of nature. Visually, this apple is about as good as it gets. The shape and glossy crimson skin with that small white blush is what we imagine a perfect apple should look like. The flavor is outstanding provided you can get them quickly after harvest. To me the taste is a "bright" classic apple flavor, with just the right amount of acidity. The juice has been described as "vinous" in character. I agree, which adds to the pleasure of the eating experience. The pure white flesh is dense with great crunch. Alas, the apple has two faults. First, I've purchased supermarket McIntosh apples that tasted bland and mealy. Second, for all the density of the flesh, it didn't hold up as well as expected in a pie. When sliced it also browns quickly. Cortlands taste similar, but are better for salads and baking.
- 10 Feb 2018 WASHINGTON, United StatesI grew up in central Penna. and with the scent of mcIntosh apple pie and apple dumplings, next door, in my aunt Eleanor's kitchen. The stand-out attribute of this variety in my mind is the distinctive aroma. Quite unlike any other. The fruit, also unlike any other, is extremely delicate; that's why I think most grocers avoid stocking them (the phrase I've heard them called is "smash and toss" apples) They bruise easily then rapidly mush and rot. They are like a beautiful sunset. Awesome and short lived. I'm attempting (with limited success) to grow them here in western Washington state, difficult because it doesn't get cold enough in the winter. I will continue the effort because these are the best apples EVER !
- 02 Nov 2016 CA, United StatesI ditto all comments. I grew up in the 1960's in Wisconsin and have eaten and relished many a Mac and Cortland. They make the best applesauce with the skin on hands down with nothing added.
- 27 Jun 2016 GA, United StatesI will add my accolades here and say that the Mac has always been my favorite apple, growing up along Keuka Lake in upstate NY. In fact, I tasted a Mac purchased in a market here in Georgia and was shocked to find that it had that special flavor that I associate with fresh upstate Macs. (The grower turned out to be in eastern Pennsylvania, and so now, if I buy Macs here in Georgia, I'll only buy if they are from that grower). There is nothing like the tart, acidic bite of a fresh Mac, and the other writers are correct; it's great for applesauce when the apple has lost some of its initial crispness. I miss this apple so much that sometimes I have it sent down where I live, special order.
- 30 Oct 2015 CA, United StatesI adore this Apple none compares. The sweet & tart taste is in perfect balance, the skin is thin and easy to chew, they are just the right size for eating. Can only find them in Albertsons stores. Just read that shipment from Canada to California or Arizona is outlawed. Not sure how Albertsons gets them. I have seen orchards in the San Bernardino California area in 1998 but our weather has been so strange in California some of the crops I'm making it. I would pay anything / Apple- usually cost $2 each. Worth every penny for the eating pleasure that no other Apple offers in my mind.
- 20 Oct 2015 United StatesIn the Northeast, you can't beat a fresh-from-the-orchard McIntosh imo. Juicy and delicious! In the supermarkets when they out of season, they can be mushy and less flavorful, and I fall back to varieties like Pink Lady and Jazz.
- 24 Sep 2015 MASSACHUSETTS, United StatesThinking about a McIntosh for someone who grew up in New York and New England is like trying to thing about breathing; in the 60's and 70's, apple = McIntosh. Not a great keeper by any stretch of the imagination, nor particularly crunchy, but that taste called "vinous" I would call "aromatic" if it hadn't been usurped for the taste of a Red Delicious. But a Mac truly is aromatic, and gets more so for several days of standing at room temperature while it softens. A small room with poor ventilation and a couple of Mac's will have their wonderful smell, like wild grapes in autumn - yes, I guess it is "vinous". In case you can't tell, I still love them! I did a blind test with juice I squeezed from a Mac, a Fameuse, a Macoun and a Liberty. Of the four, the Mac was the most intense, but also the best balanced. (Fameuse and Liberty tied for close second, and Macoun was a distant last place).
- 25 Oct 2014 CALIFORNIA, United StatesIn southern California it's becoming progressively more difficult to find good Macs. Used to be all the markets carried them but now Albertsons and a few independents are the only places they can be found. A good mcintosh apple is eating pleasure, but availability in southern California is problematic.
- 19 Oct 2014 United StatesI am originally from Maine, now living in Minnesota. The Macs here are not as good as those in Northern New England, the flavor is not quite as complex. I love Macs and agree that they lose their crispness as they age. I use Macs and Granny Smith for pies and since my Mother, who loved apple pie was diabetic this combination worked well. With this combo, I reduced the sugar to no white and only 1/4 cup of brown sugar [either light or dark] and it still makes a great pie and one that had very little effect on her blood glucose.
- 01 Sep 2014 VERMONT, United StatesI have always found Macs to be good eating right from the tree, but I never pick it to take home because it doesn't keep. This Apple gets soft within a short time and is only best for applesauce.
- 31 Aug 2014 United StatesI disagree with the statement that Macs are not good for cooking. It's the technique that you use for baking your pies that determines whether they're runny or not. I never have an issue making pies with Macs or any other fruit, for that matter. Just look online if you want to find out how to keep your pies from being runny with soggy bottom crusts. It's very simple.
- 09 Jan 2014 United KingdomI live in North East England, and like someone mentioned earlier, in my childhood Macintosh apples were a Christmas treat! To me there is no better apple. I can usually get them near Christmas, presume that is to do with when they harvest. However in 2012 I couldn't find any, this Christmas they were thankfully in the shops again, but I was disappointed as quite a lot of the ones I bought did not have their usual distintive flavour. Hope next Christmas they are back to normal.
- 02 Feb 2013 MN, United StatesMackintosh apples are my absolute favorite and they seem to get harder to find every year. I buy them up in the fall -- as many as I think we can eat. I wish mackintosh were sold in more stores and available for more months of the year.
- 09 Jan 2013 NY, United StatesBo - This apple has classic apple flavor, medium crispness, mildly sweet, very easy to eat. Brent - this is what every apple aspires to be. Crisp, sweet, healthy and not too large.
- 11 Dec 2012 DEVON, United KingdomI originate from the NE of England where we used to have them for some reason only at Christmas. For this reason their lovely sweetness is always associated in my mind with this time of the year. I have looked for these apples without success for years and often still eat Spartan and Empire but would love to have the original apple once again.
- 09 Sep 2012 UT, United StatesThe only Eastern apple I can get in UT. One of my favorites and am glad to at least get this apple in the fall to fulfill my longing for a good apple.
- 11 Jan 2012 WEST LOTHIAN, United KingdomI agree mac reds are the best apple but really hard to find in Scotland . You are so lucky being able to eat them any time
- 10 Nov 2011 PA, United StatesMcIntosh are my favorite apple. I also have found that other types of apples are often sold as Macs. What a disappointment! I am currently working for an apple grower in western PA and am thrilled to have access to as many McIntosh as I want for the first time in my life! I spent fifteen years living in western Montana, imagine my delight to find that one place McIntosh are grown outside of the northeastern US is the Bitterroot Valley of western Montana!
- 15 Sep 2011 URAH, United Statesmacintosh apples are the best for applesauce. I have tried other apple varieties, however always return to macs. If you don't add extra water the applesauce is not too runny. Also I do not add very much sugar at all. I like the original flavor. I have been canning Macintosh applesauce every Fall for 20 years.
- 09 May 2011 COLORADO, United StatesThese are the best apples in the entire world. I can do amazing things with these apples. For example: My mom makes some amazing applesauce. When I have to fight off zombies, these apple are great for restorting my energy!
- 25 Mar 2011 NOVA SCOTIA, CanadaI find it surprising to see all of the comments about how hard it is to find Macs in the U.K. McIntosh apples are as common as dandelions in Nova Scotia, both the trees and the apples, in stores and farmers' markets. I love them straight off the tree, but what a terrible apple after a few months' storage! They go terribly mushy. I much prefer an Empire or Gala straight out of controlled atmosphere storage.
- 08 Feb 2011 CA, United StatesI love this apple. Great for eating whole because it's so soft. Doesn't have the best shelf life though, and because it is a little more tart than I usually like it is my favourite snacking apple.
- 14 Nov 2010 WISCONSIN, United StatesI grew up eating only Macs. My mom's apple pie and applesauce were the best ever, and almost never runny. I'm having a difficult time finding what I consider a true Mac for eating and making Thanksgiving pies. I try to find apples without yellow lines on the skin because those are not what I'm looking for. (They are usually hard, like a red delicious.) Give me a pure green and red skin. I have been comparing PLU numbers to see if that is the key to a good Mac apple. I found some #4154 yesterday that were good. They have only a hint of yellow dotting on them. I'm glad that other people can tell the difference.
- 27 Jul 2010 MN, United StatesI have found what certainly taste like Jersey Macs and Jonamacs being sold as true McIntoshes, of late, especially late in the season. It is a disappointing surprise. I have not yet found a reliable way to distinguish them, but have reduced my bad experiences by looking very carefully at the signs and, where applicable, stickers. You want PLU (price look-up) number 4019, 4152, 4153, or 4154. Other numbers are different varieties, and you don't need to be a super-taster to recognize them. (I'm not!) My son eats all of my true McIntoshes, but leaves the Jonamacs and Jersey Macs for me to eat. =(
- 16 Jun 2010 United KingdomI'm happy to have found this post - thanks for the information. John McIntosh was my 3xgreat-grandfather, and I want to grow some of his trees for fruit, now that I find myself living in the UK, not Canada. As the climate is very different here, can anyone give me advice, please?
- 02 Nov 2009 United KingdomSee my other post. You are an hour away from Blackpool - and they are in stock now [Oct 20090 ;)) I'd love a tree and cannot find a stockist. Guess what I'm doing with my pips today?
- 02 Nov 2009 United KingdomI agree - the best but incredibly hard to find. Cildren always love them - even those who 'don't like apples'. However, if you happen to be going to Blackpool (town of mt birth) Abingdon Street market usually sells them. I now live hundreds of miles away and always bring them back when i visit as they seem impossible to find in Suffolk Btw - while you are at the market - buy yourself some crumbly Lancashire cheese and eat them together. A food marriage mad ein heaven!!
- 23 Oct 2009 BOSTON, United StatesTip for British readers: try to prepare this apple like we do in New England, especially if you have children-make it into sauce! If you take care and do not peel the apple while preparing the sauce, it will turn a nice shade of pink, and will convince a finicky child to eat it with her pork chops.
- 18 Dec 2008 COTGRAVE NOTTINGHAM ENGLAND, United Kingdomi love this variety of apple. there is not another one that comes close to the flavour and texture. i would love to have a tree of my own
- 25 Oct 2008 KINGSTON, ONTARIO, CanadaI agree with the posters who say that Macs are best eaten early, right off the tree, if possible. I slice and kind of fry them with porkchops and a shake of cinnamon. Yummmmm! Applesauce? Aren't most Canadian commercial apple sauces made from Macs. My mother's homemade apple sauce was perhaps a bit runny, but delicious. I think of all other apples as exotics since I grew up with Macs.
- 08 Oct 2008 ESSEX COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS, United StatesI grew up in Pennsylvania (now living in Massachusetts, much further north) and find that the McIntosh I knew from Pennsylvania are different in flavor than the ones I eat here in Massachusetts. Pennsylvania is close to the southern limit for this cultivar, and the McIntosh one finds from Pennsylvania are much less tart than the ones I eat now. I think the flavor is much better when the acidity asserts itself. The interplay between sweet and tart makes the flavor more interesting than when the flavor is primarily sweet and not much else. This is a poor apple for baking. It has a very large amount of liquid stored in its flesh which is released in the heat of cooking. It must be combined with other apples if one is making a pie. If you only use McIntosh as your pie filling instead of apple pie you will end up with apple soup inside a soggy pastry shell! Likewise if one is making apple sauce with McIntosh the sauce will be unusually runny. On the plus side, its flavor combines well with other apples, so one can compensate for the juice it releases during cooking by mixing it with other, drier apples
- 12 Sep 2008 MANCHESTER, ENGLAND, United KingdomDo you know where i can buy mackintosh reds in my area
- 30 Jul 2008 United KingdomThe juiciest, most delicious apple there is. Sadly you have to look very hard to find in England as most of the major supermarkets dont sell it - although the hybrid EMPIRE is popular. Independent retailers are the only option.
- 22 May 2008 MARYLAND, United StatesI agree with this description and have loved McIntosh apples for years, but now cannot find them with this flavor and texture. Have they hybridized them for better shipping? Now the apples sold in my area as McIntosh taste completely different!
Tree register
United States
- Adam Zastrow in Evanston, IL
- Albany Appleguy in Castleton, NY
- Alison Gardner in Albion, CALIFORNIA
- Alison Loy in Burtchville, MICHIGAN / ST. CLAIR
- Annette Carpenter in Preston, IDAHO
- Aurie Bradley in Kensington, CA
- Axel Kratel in Santa Cruz, CALIFORNIA
- B. J. Converse in Searsmont, MAINE
- Bcarp001@Yahoo.Com in PINE CITY, MN
- Becky Liegl in Waupaca, WI/WAUPACA
- Ben in Longmont, COLORADO
- Brent in Spring Lake Park, MN
- Brent in Spring Lake Park, MN
- Brian Phillips in Saint Johns, MI
- Brittany in Salt Lake City, UT
- Carolyn Drought in Franksville, WI
- Chris in Kennewick, WA
- Christopher in Burrillville, RI
- Colleen Warner in Bethel, MAINE
- Dale Kopman in Hayti, SD
- Dale Paulson in Chaseburg, WI
- Darren Peters in Rock Spring, GEORGIA
- David in Wilson, KS
- David Black in Bentonville, ARKANSAS
- David Cummings in Shelley, ID
- David Young in RIVES JUNCTION, MICHIGAN
- Dennis in Bradford, DARKE, OH
- Dianne Giles in Henderson, IOWA
- Erin Mcguire in Toledo, OHIO
- George Paquin in CHELMSFORD, MA
- Greg in Schoolcraft, MI
- Herdie Baisden in STOCKHOLM, WI
- Holly in Rehoboth, MASSACHUSETTS
- Ida Bujan in WHITEHALL, NEW YORK
- James Dierberger in Hebron, CT
- James Wargo in SOUTHBURY, CT
- Jeff Singleton in ALBION, MAINE
- Joel Howie in Canton, NEW YORK
- Joel Reigel in Gardners, PA
- Jonathan Bastedo in YUCAIPA, CA
- Joseph Mahaney in Port Huron, MI/ ST. CLAIR
- JSchreiber in West Concord, MN
- Keaton Foster in BEAR LAKE, MI
- Kelly Hutton in Afton, NY
- Kim Lapacek in Poynette, WI
- Kurt in Kalispell, MONTANA
- Lewin in BAINBRIDGE ISLAND, WA
- Luana Schneider in Custer, WASHINGTON
- Lynn in Helena, MONTANA
- Mark Campbell in Centerville, INDIANA
- Matt in Emmett, MI
- Matt in New London, MN
- Michael Miller in Kennett Square, PA
- Michael Miller in Kennett Square, PA
- Michelle Williams in Glenwood, SUSSEX COUNTY,NJ
- Mike in ALEXANDRIA, MN
- Mike Betts in GRATTAN TOWNSHIP, MICHIGAN/KENT
- Mike Haller in SIOUX CITY, IOWA
- Mitch in Granger, IN
- Nathan Sanders in Middleburg, PENNSYLVANIA
- Nickschweitzer@Comcast.Net in Sparta, MICHIGAN (MI)
- Paul Grochowski in Floyd, VIRGINIA
- Paula Reinbold in Rush, COLORADO
- Paula Reinbold in Rush, COLORADO
- Peter in Johnson City, TN
- Renee Burger in Jericho, VT
- Renee Burger in Jericho, VT
- Ricky Bruckner in Ravenna, OHIO (OH)
- Rob in EAST RYEGATE, VT
- Robert Bratsch in Plymouth, MN
- Robert Crandall in Capac, MICHIGAN
- Robert Crandall in Capac, MICHIGAN
- Robert Wallace in WESTMINSTER, VT
- Ron Davis in CHUCKEY, TN
- Rory Mcgregor in Mapleton,, MN
- Selmi's Orchard and Farm in Rock Falls, IL
- Sheryl Davis in Cazenovia, NEW YORK
- Stephan Orchard in Westfield, INDIANA
- Steve in Silver Spring, MD
- Steve Kollodge in BROOK PARK, MN
- Steven Holman in Skandia, MI
- Steven Holman in Skandia, MI
- Steven Holman in Skandia, MI
- Steven Holman in Skandia, MI
- Steven Holman in Skandia, MI
- Steven Holman in Skandia, MI
- Steven Stanley in Johnson City, TN
- Steven Sypkens in Turney, MO
- Susan Karpenski in Meadville, PA
- Susan Leslie in Ballston Spa, NY
- Tamara Leach in Soldotna, AK
- Teresa in BUFFALO, MT
- Thomas Griffith in Cottage Grove, WI
- Tim Cheney in Walpole, ME/LINCOLN
- Tony in Springfield, MA
- Tracy in Ravensdale, WA
- Tyler Stewart in KLAMATH FALLS, OREGON
United Kingdom
- Susan.Boothby@Gmail.Com in Edinburgh, SCOTLAND
Canada
- Bill Cuell in Kaslo, BC
- Dan in Vittoria, ONTARIO
- Fred Rode in Pictou, NOVA SCOTIA
- Fred Rode in Pictou, NOVA SCOTIA
- Irene Bjerky in Yale, BRITISH COLUMBIA
- Jason Greek in Barss Corner, NOVA SCOTIA
- Laura in Gatineau, QC
- Patsy Huntington in Mont-Tremblant, QUEBEC
- Peter Smith in Bridgetown, NOVA SCOTIA
- Rob Hurst in Norfolk County, ONTARIO
- Sean Slade in Campbellford, ONTARIO
- Stella Hiemstra in INVERARY, ONTARIO
Australia
- Bec in Coleraine, VICTORIA
- Evelyn Doyle in Canberra, ACT
- Hayden in Winslow, VICTORIA, AUSTRALIA
- Jenny in Melbourne, VICTORIA,
Spring blossom records for this variety
2020 season
- 26th April 2020 - tree owned by Steven in Turney, United States
2019 season
- 11th June 2019 - tree owned by Steven in Skandia, United States
2018 season
- 10th October 2018 - tree owned by Bec in Coleraine, Australia
2017 season
- 6th June 2017 - tree owned by Steven in Skandia, United States
- 6th June 2017 - tree owned by Steven in Skandia, United States
2016 season
- June 2016 - tree owned by B. in Searsmont, United States
- May 2016 - tree owned by Jason in Barss Corner, Canada
- 7th April 2016 - tree owned by Chris in Kennewick, United States
2015 season
- 12th May 2015 - tree owned by Albany in Castleton, United States
2014 season
- 10th May 2014 - tree owned by Albany in Castleton, United States
- May 2014 - tree owned by Irene in Yale, Canada
- May 2014 - tree owned by Alison in Burtchville, United States
2013 season
- 9th May 2013 - tree owned by Albany in Castleton, United States
2012 season
- 1st June 2012 - tree owned by Patsy in Mont-Tremblant, Canada
- 7th May 2012 - tree owned by Peter in Bridgetown, Canada
- 18th April 2012 - tree owned by Albany in Castleton, United States
Record your blossom dates in our Fruit Tree Register - more >>.
Harvest records for this variety
2016 season
- 3rd week September 2016 - tree owned by B. in Searsmont, United States
2015 season
- 3rd week September 2015 - tree owned by Brittany in Salt Lake City, United States
- 4th week August 2015 - tree owned by Chris in Kennewick, United States
2014 season
- 3rd week September 2014 - tree owned by Alison in Burtchville, United States
- September 2014 - tree owned by Irene in Yale, Canada
2013 season
- 1st week October 2013 - tree owned by Alison in Albion, United States
- October 2013 - tree owned by Adam in Evanston, United States
2012 season
- 2nd week September 2012 - tree owned by Peter in Bridgetown, Canada
2009 season
- October 2009 - tree owned by Luana in Custer, United States
Origins
- Species: Malus domestica - Apple
- Parentage: Probably Fameuse, possibly crossed with Detroit Red
- Originates from: St. Lawrence valley, Canada
- Introduced: 1820s
- Developed by: John McIntosh
- UK National Fruit Collection accession: 2006-014
- We are grateful to Brogdale Farm - home of the UK National Fruit Collection - for providing samples of this variety.
Identification
- Country of origin: Canada
- Period of origin: 1800 - 1849
- Fruit colour: Crimson
- Leaf colour: Green
- Annual cycle: Deciduous
Using
- Picking season: Late
- Keeping (of fruit): 2-3 weeks
- Flavour quality: Very good
- Flavour style (apples): Sweeter
- Cooking result: Textured puree
- Discoloration of fruit: Slightly oxidising (browns slowly)
- Cropping: Heavy
- Fruit persistence: Normal ripening
- Food uses: Eating fresh
- Food uses: Culinary
- Food uses: Juice
- Picking period: mid-September
- Wildlife: RHS Plants for Pollinators
Growing
- Gardening skill: Beginner
- Flowering group: 2
- Pollinating others: Average
- Ploidy: Diploid
- Vigour: Average vigour
- Bearing regularity: Regular
- Fruit bearing: Spur-bearer
- Self-fertility: Not self-fertile
Climate
- Cold hardiness (USDA): Zone 4 (-34C)
- Climate suitability: Temperate climates
- Summer average maximum temperatures: Cool ( 20-24C / 68-75F)
- Summer average maximum temperatures: Cold (< 20C / 67F)
Other qualities
- Disease resistance: Good
- Cedar apple rust: Some resistance
- Fire blight: Some susceptibility
Where to buy trees
The following tree nurseries offer McIntosh apple trees for sale:
- Orange Pippin Fruit Trees (USA) United States
McIntosh apple trees - Cummins Nursery
United States More >>
Where to buy fresh fruit
The following orchards grow McIntosh:
United States
Alabama
- Crow Mountain Orchard, Fackler
Arizona
- Beatty's Orchard, Hereford
California
- Apple Lane Orchard, Julian
- High Hill Ranch, Placerville
- Mother Lode Orchards, Camino
- Prevedelli Farms, Watsonville
- Riley's Apple Farm #1, Oak Glen
- Riley's at Los Rios Rancho, Yucaipa
- Riley's Farm Fort Cross Orchard, Yucaipa
- Seven C's Family Orchard, Tehachapi
- The Apple Farm -- Bates & Schmitt, Philo
Colorado
- Gott Bro's Orchard & Produce, L.L.C., Ignacio
- Masonville Orchard, Fort Collins
- Peachfork Orchards & Vineyard, Palisade
- Third Street Apples, Penrose
- YA YA Farm & Orchard, Longmont
Connecticut
- Allyn's Red Barn, Ledyard
- Averill Farm, Washington Depot
- Bishop's Orchard, Guilford
- Bordeaux Farm, Somers
- Country Corners Farm, Griswold
- Ellsworth Hill Orchard & Berry Farm, LLC, Sharon
- Emerald Green Farm & Gardens, Wallingford
- Hindinger Farm, Hamden
- Irish Bend Orchard, Somers
- Lyman Orchards, Middlefield
- Norton Brothers Fruit Farms, Cheshire
- Palazzi Orchard, East Killingly
- Scott's Yankee Farmer, East Lyme
- Seek No Further Orchard, Hebron
- Staehly Farms, East Haddam
Delaware
- Fifer Orchards, Camden Wyoming
Georgia
- Freedom Farms - Apple & Peach Orchard, Chatsworth
- Mercier Orchards, Blue Ridge
Idaho
- Apple Creek Farm, Jerome
- BYU-Idaho Apple Orchard Museum, Rexburg
- Isom's Apple Fruit Farm, Blackfoot
- Kelley Orchards (Weiser), Weiser
- Williamson Orchards & Vineyards, Caldwell
Illinois
- All Seasons Apple Orchard, Woodstock *** Feature Orchard ***
- Christ Orchard, Elmwood
- Heinz Orchard, Green Oaks
- Homestead Orchard, Woodstock
- Kuipers Family Farm, Maple Park
- Lang's Orchard, Woodstock
- Meadowmoor Orchard, Woodstock
- Okaw Valley Orchard, Sullivan
- R.E. Arends Orchard, Laura
- Royal Oak Farm and Fruit Orchard, Harvard *** Feature Orchard ***
- Stone's Apple Barn, East Moline
- Tanner's Orchard, Speer
- Valley Orchard, Cherry Valley
Indiana
- Anderson Orchard, Mooresville
- Beasley's Orchard and Gardens, Danville
- Bright Meadows Orchard, Lawrenceburg
- Bruick Brothers Produce / Advanced Tree Technology, New Haven
- Cook's Orchard, Fort Wayne
- County Line Orchard, Hobart
- Crosby's Orchard, Lawrenceburg
- Deer Creek Orchard, Galveston
- Doud's Countyline Orchard, Wabash
- Dougherty Orchards, Cambridge City
- G. W. Stroh Orchards, Angola
- Garwood Orchards, LaPorte
- Goley's Orchard, Madison
- Kercher's Sunrise Orchards Farm Market, Goshen
- McClure's Orchard, Peru
- Melton's Orchard and Country Market, Bloomington
- Mowry's Fruit Farm, Crown Point
- Orchard Hill Farms, Kendallville
- Pleasant View Orchard, Fairland
- Radke's Orchards, Michigan City
- Villa Orchard, Batesville
Iowa
- 3 Bee Farms, Griswold
- Allen's Orchard, Marion
- Appleberry Farm, Marshalltown
- Applecart Orchard, Vinton
- Belaire Winery, St Ansgar
- Center Grove Orchard, Cambridge
- Community Orchards, Fort Dodge
- Countryside Orchard, Lansing
- Deal's Orchard, Jefferson
- Ditmars Orchard, Council Bluffs
- East View Orchard, Fredericksburg
- Gravert's Apple Basket Orchard, Sabula
- Iowa Orchard, Urbandale
- Mincer Orchard & Farms, Hamburg
- Smalls Fruit Farm, Mondamin
- The Big Apple Orchard, Mount Vernon
- Timeless Prairie Orchard, Winthrop
- Wilson's Orchard, Iowa City
Kentucky
- Evans Orchard & Cider Mill, Georgetown
- Reed Valley Orchard, Paris
Maine
- Circle B Farms, Caribou
- Conant Orchards, Etna
- Eden Acres Family Farm, East Waterboro
- Hope Orchards, Hope
- McDougal Orchards, Springvale
- Megquier Hill Orchard (formerly Goss), Otisfield
- North Chester Orchard, Chester
- Pietree Orchard, Sweden
- Pine View Orchard, Berwick
- Roberts' Orchard, Poland
- Shalom Organic Orchard & Winery, Franklin
- Sweetser's Apple Barrel and Orchards, Cumberland Center
Massachusetts
- Arcadian Farms, Holliston
- Atkins Farms, Amherst
- Autumn Hill Orchards, Groton
- Bartlett's Orchard, Richmond
- Berlin Orchards, Berlin
- Bolton Spring Farm, Bolton
- Brooksby Farm, Peabody
- C.N. Smith Farm, East Bridgewater
- Carver Hill Orchards, Stow
- Charlton Orchard, Inc., Charlton
- Cider Hill Farm, Amesbury
- Cooks Farm Orchard, Brimfield
- Doe Orchards, Harvard
- Drew Farms, Westford
- Echo Hill Orchards and Winery, Monson
- Fairmount Fruit Farm, Franklin
- Green River Farms, Williamstown
- Headwater Cider, Hawley
- Hillbrook Orchards, Groton
- Hyland Orchard Inc., Fiskdale
- Lakeview Orchard, Lanesboro
- Mann Orchards, Methuen
- Marino Lookout Farm, South Natick
- Meadowbrook Orchards, Sterling
- Nicewicz Farm, Bolton
- Park Hill Orchard, Easthampton
- Parker's Orchard, Westborough
- Peters Family Orchards and Cider Mill, Acushnet
- Phil's Apples, Harvard
- Ragged Hill Orchard, West Brookfield
- Red Apple Farm, Phillipston
- Russell Orchards, Ipswich
- Sholan Farms, Leominster
- Stowe Farm Orchard, Millbury
- The Country Apple at Marshall Farm, Fitchburg
- Tougas Family Farm, Northborough
- Westward Orchards, Harvard
- Wheel-View Farm, Shelburne
- Wojcik Farm, Blackstone
Michigan
- (A.W.) Overhiser Orchards, South Haven
- Alber's Orchard & Cider Mill, Manchester
- Bayne's Apple Valley Farm, Freeland
- Bennett's Orchard, Ottawa Lake
- Bintz Cider Mill and Apple Farm, Freeland
- Brainerd Farms, Onsted
- Crane's U-Pick, Fennville
- Earth First Farms, Berrien Center
- Elliotts Orchard, Bellaire
- Erie Orchards and Cider Mill, Erie
- Erwin Orchards U-Pick & Cider Mill, South Lyon
- Grand View Orchard, Hudsonville
- Gull Meadow Farms, Richland
- Hildebrand Fruit Farms, Berrien Springs
- Husted Farm Market and Cider Mill, Kalamazoo
- Jacques Orchard, Hemlock
- Johanson's Apple World, Baroda
- Kapnick Orchards, Britton
- Keeney Orchards, Tipton
- Klackle Orchards, Greenville
- Koan's Orchard, Flushing
- Kreps Apple Barn, LaSalle
- Lange Farms, Niles
- Leaman's Green Applebarn, Freeland
- Lehman's Orchard, Niles
- Lewis Farm Market & Petting Farm, New Era
- Long Family Orchard and Farm, Commerce
- Markillie Orchard and Cider Mill, Howell
- Miller Family Orchard, Vassar
- Miller's Big Red Apple Orchard, Washington Twp
- Moelker Orchards & Farm Market, Grand Rapids
- Morrison Farms, Williamsburg
- Orchard Beach Farm, Quincy
- Orchard Hill Farm, Caledonia
- Pankiewicz Cider Mill & Farm Market, Casco
- Phillips Orchards & Cider Mill, Saint Johns
- Porter's Orchard Farm Market & Cider Mill, Goodrich
- Red Apple Orchard, Britton
- Rennhack Orchards, Hart
- Ridgeway Farm Market, Bangor
- Robinette's Apple Haus and Winery, Grand Rapids
- Schultz Fruitridge Farms, Mattawan
- Sietsema Orchards & Cider Mill, Ada
- Speaker Lone Oak Orchard, Melvin
- Steffens Orchard Market, Sparta
- T&K Orchard, Lake City
- Tompkins' Orchard and Country Store, Vassar
- Uncle John's Cider Mill & Fruit House Winery, St. Johns
- Uptegraff's Orchard, Davison
- Westview Farm, Mattawan
- Westview Orchards & Winery, Romeo
- Hanulcik Farm Market, Ionia
Minnesota
- Aamodt's Apple Farm and Bakery, Stillwater
- Afton Apple Orchard, Hastings
- Apple Jack Orchards, Delano
- Big Woods Orchard, Winona
- Center Creek Orchard, Fairmont
- Dayton Avenue Orchard, Adrian
- Fireside Orchard and Gardens, Northfield
- Fischer's Croix Farm Orchard, Hastings
- Lucking's Cannon Valley Orchard, Cannon Falls
- Minnesota Harvest, Jordan
- Nelson's Apple Farm, Webster
- Novak's Orchards, LLC, Woodbury
- Ranum’s West Lake Mary Orchards, Alexandria
- Sekapp Orchard, Rochester
- Sogn Valley Orchard, Dennison
- Southwind Orchards, Dakota
- Sunrise River Apple Farm, Wyoming
- Sweetland Orchard, Webster
- Two Fruit's Fruits, Hinckley
- Woods' Edge Apples, Buffalo
Montana
- Anderson Orchards, Rudyard
- Bluewater Orchard, Fromberg
- Cherry Red Orchard, Bigfork
- O'Farrell Orchards, Bigfork
- Oakenshield Orchard, Potmac
- Ross Orchards, Fromberg
- Wise Owl Orchards, Florence
Nebraska
- Degroot Orchards, Madison
- Union Orchard, Union
Nevada
- Sweet Farm, Fallon
New Hampshire
- Alyson's Apple Orchard, Walpole
- Apple Annie, Brentwood
- Applecrest Farm Orchards, Hampton Falls
- Appleview Orchard, Pittsfield
- Butternut Farm LLC, Farmington
- Carter Hill Orchard, Concord
- Demeritt Hill Farm, Lee
- Gould Hill Farm, Contoocook
- Hackleboro Orchards, Canterbury
- Hatches Orchard, Center Conway
- Hetnar Orchard Inc., Epping
- Lull Farm, Hollis
- McLeod Brothers Orchard, Milford
- Richardson's Farm, Boscawen
- Smith Orchard, Belmont
- Stone Brook Hill Farm, Gilford
- Stonybrook Farm, Gilford
New Jersey
- Alstede Farms, Chester
- Apgar Cider Press, Phillipsburg
- Battleview Orchards, Freehold
- Best's Fruit Farm, Hackettstown
- Colin's Apple Pit, Montague
- Crest Fruit Farm, Manalapan
- DeCou's Farm Market & Orchard, Shiloh
- Delicious Orchards, Colts Neck
- Demarest Farm, Hillsdale
- Everitt's Fruit Farm, Lafayette
- Green Market Farms, Inc., Hammonton
- Heritage Station, Richwood
- Hillview Farms, Gillette
- Longmeadow Farm, Hope
- Mackeys Orchard, Belvidere
- Mountain Top Orchard, Glen Gardner
- Parks Farms, Chester
- Peaceful Valley Orchards, Pittstown
- Pleasant Valley Farm, Mays Landing
- Pochuck Valley Farms Market and deli, Glenwood
- Race's Farm Market, Blairstown
- Riamede Farm, Chester
- Ripple Hill Farm, Basking Ridge
- Russo's Fruit & Vegetable Farm, Inc., Tabernacle
- Sandy Acres Market, Hightstown
- Shady Brook Farm, Egg Harbor City
- Simone's Apple Farm, Vineland
- Stoneyfield Orchards, Belvidere
- Strawberry Hill Farm, Chesterfield
- Terhune Orchards, Princeton
- Tree-Licious Orchards, Port Murray
- Wightman's Farm, Morristown
- Windy Brow Orchard, Newton
New Mexico
- Alary Farm, Corrales
- Cadwallader Mountain Farms, Mountain Park
- Fred & Ruby Martinez Orchards, Dixon
- Manzano Mountain Retreat and Apple Ranch, Torreon
- Romero's Orchard, Embudo
New York
- Albany Apple Guy:Purveyor of Rare & Exotic Apples, Castleton
- Apple Barrel Orchards, Penn Yan
- Apple Ridge Orchards, Warwick
- Applewood Orchards, Warwick
- Bellinger's Apple Orchard, Fultonville
- Bidwell Orchards, Fort Plain
- Billy Bob's Orchard, Putnam Station
- Black Diamond Farm, Trumansburg
- Borden's Orchard, Schaghticoke
- Bowman Orchards, Rexford
- Canton Apples, Canton
- Cherry Ridge Farms, Hudson
- Critz Farms, Cazenovia
- Dr. Davies Farm, Congers
- Everett Orchards, Plattsburgh
- Exelsior Farms, Kent
- Fishkill Farms, Hopewell Junction
- G and S Orchards, Macedon
- Grisamore Farms, Locke
- Harvest Moon Farm & Orchard, North Salem
- Hopedale Farm, Hudson
- Hurds Family Farm, Modena
- Indian Ladder Farms Inc., Altamont
- Lone Maple Farm, Binghamton
- LoveApple Farms, Ghent
- Masker Fruit Farms Inc., Warwick
- Mead Orchards LLC, Tivoli
- Miller's Apples, Dunkirk
- Minards Family Farm, Clintondale
- Morgan Farms LLC, Marion
- Northern Orchard Co Inc., Peru
- Ontario Orchards Farm, Market & Cider Mill, Sterling
- Oriole Orchards, Red Hook
- Prospect Hill Orchards, Milton
- Rose Hill Farm, Red Hook
- Rulfs Orchard, Peru
- Samascott Orchard, Kinderhook
- Seven Ponds Orchard, Water Mill
- Smith's Orchard Cider Mill, Lockport
- Soons Orchards Inc., New Hampton
- Spring Wagon Orchards, Penn Yan
- Stone Ridge Orchard, Stone Ridge
- Trapani Farm LLC, Milton
- Weed Orchards, Marlboro
- Whittier Fruit Farm, Rochester
- Windy Hill Orchard & Farm Market, Cassville
North Carolina
- Creasman Farms, Hendersonville
- Lyda Farms, Hendersonville
- Skytop Orchards, Flat Rock
Ohio
- Apple Hill Orchards, Mansfield
- Arrowhead Orchard, Paris
- Bauman Orchards, Rittman
- Beckwith Orchards, Cider Mill and Gift Shop, Kent
- Burnham Orchards, Berlin Heights
- CherryHawk Farm, Marysville
- Eshleman Fruit Farm, Clyde
- Granville Orchard, Granville
- Hoen's Orchard and Market, Delta
- Hucks Orchard, South Charleston
- Hugus Fruit Farm, Rushville
- Johnston Fruit Farms, Swanton
- Legend Hills Orchard, Utica
- Lynd Fruit Farm, Pataskala
- M & M Orchard, Ashtabula
- Mayer's Fruit Farm, Rosedale
- Monroe's Orchard & Farm Market, LLC, Hiram
- Moreland Fruit Farm, Wooster
- Ochs Fruit Farm, Lancaster
- Paiges Produce, Stoutsville
- Peifer Orchards, Yellow Springs
- Richardson Farms, Medina
- Rittman Orchards, Doylestown
- Sunrise Farm Market, Garden & Gift, Burton
- Tüken's Farm Market and Orchard, West Alexandria
- Votaw Farms, Pioneer
Oregon
- Haury Farms, Salem
- Kiyokawa Family Orchards, Mount Hood Parkdale
- Smith Berry Barn, Hillsboro
- Thompson Creek Organics, Applegate
- B&P Hitz Fruit Farm, Woodburn
Pennsylvania
- Andrews Farm Market, Saint Thomas
- Apple Castle, New Wilmington
- Boyer Orchards, New Paris
- Brown's Orchard and Cider Company, McDonald
- Brown's Orchards & Farm Market, Loganville
- County Line Orchard, Kempton
- Dries Orchards, Sunbury
- Emerald Cider Mill, Slatington
- Godfrey Run Farm, LLC, Lake City
- Gray's Apple Ridge Orchard, Jonestown
- Graybill's Fruit Farm, Richfield
- Gulicks Fruit Farm, Bangor
- Kauffman's Fruit Farm, Bird-in-Hand
- Kistaco Farm, Apollo
- Klim Orchard, Lake Ariel
- Masonic Village Farm Market, Elizabethtown
- McConnells' Farm, Aliquippa
- Miles Orchard (Miles Farm Produce), Coudersport
- Northrop's Apple Acres, Lake City
- Orton's Fruit Farm, North East
- Pappy's Orchard, Coopersburg
- Paulus Orchards, Dillsburg
- Rice Fruit Company, Gardners
- Ringing Hill Orchards, Pottstown
- Rocky Ridge Orchards, Kane
- Ross Run Ranch, Tionesta
- Shanesville Fruit Farm, Boyertown
- Shaw Orchards, Stewartstown
- Shenot Farm, Wexford
- Soergel's Orchards, Wexford
- Townsend Brother's Fruit Farm, Spring Church
- Weaver's Orchard, Morgantown
Rhode Island
- Appleland Orchard, LLC, Greenville
- Barden Family Orchard, North Scituate
- Dame Farm & Orchards, Johnston
- Rocky Brook Orchard, Middletown
- Steere Orchard, Greenville
- Young Family Farm, Little Compton
South Dakota
- Country Apple Orchard, Harrisburg
- Hoversten Orchards LTD, Brandon
Texas
- Sonlight Apple Orchard, Mason
Utah
Vermont
- Outback Orchard, Florence
- Seven Saplings Farm, Richford
- Terry's Orchard, Bennington
- Woodman Hill Orchard, Vergennes
Virginia
- Ayers Orchards, Cana
- Berrier Farms, Inc., Cana
- Carter Mountain Orchard, Charlottesville
- Dickie Brothers Orchard, Roseland
- Graves Mountain Farm, Syria
- Johnson's Orchards & Peaks of Otter Winery, Bedford
- Showalter's Orchard & Greenhouse, LLC, Timberville
- Stribling Orchard, Markham
- Virginia Farm Market, Winchester
Washington
- Muscle and Arm Farm, Freeland
- Rosabella's Garden, Bow
- Skipley Farm, Snohomish *** Feature Orchard ***
- Tonnemaker Hill Farm, Royal City
West Virginia
- Ruggles Orchard, Levels
Wisconsin
- Bauer's Apple Shed, Hortonville
- Bickler's Apple Farm, Middleton
- Door Creek Orchard, Cottage Grove
- Ecker's Apple Farm, Trempealeau
- Hillside Apples, Casco
- Maple Ridge Orchard, Cashton
- Nature's Select Orchard, Turtle Lake
- Orchard Store at Old Homestead, Franksville
- Peck & Bushel Fruit Company, Town of Erin/City of Colgate
- Pleasant View Orchard, Niagara
- Rim's Edge Orchard, Germantown
- Roo's Apple Orchard, Omro
- Rush River Orchard and Bakery, Ellsworth
- Sacia Orchards, Galesville *** Feature Orchard ***
- Silver Creek Orchards, Merrill
Canada
British Columbia
- Blue Haze Farm, Victoria
- Blush Lane Organic Orchard, Keremeos
- Orchard Corners Organics, Kelowna
- Ravenskill Orchards, Gabriola Island
- Riley Creek Farm, Lillooet
- Roseridge Orchards, Kelowna
- Spencer Hill Orchard, Grand Forks
New Brunswick
- Sandow Orchard, Keswick Ridge
- Verger Belliveau Orchard, Memramcook
Nova Scotia
- Elderkin's Farm Market, Greenwich
- Sarsfield Farms Inc., Canning
- Vista Bella Farm Orchard and Apiary, Malagash
Ontario
- Cleaver Orchards, Simcoe
- DeVries Fruit Farm, Fenwick
- Dixie Orchards, Caledon
- Juicy-Fruit Orchards, Thedford
- Kennette Apple Orchard, Lakeshore
- Kilmarnock Orchard, Jasper
- Loughborough Heritage Orchard, Inverary
- Meleg's Lakeview Orchard & Cider Mill, Kingsville
- Moore Orchards, Cobourg
- Mountain Orchards, Mountain
- Rural Route Orchard, Halton Hills
- T & K Ferri Orchards, Clarksburg
- Waddell Apples, Kingston
Quebec
- Ferme Hillspring Farm, Franklin Centre
- Les Vergers de la Colline, Ste-Cécile de Milton
References
- Cedar-Apple Rust
Author: Stephen Vann, University of Arkansas, Division of Agriculture (FSA7538)
Rated as very resistant - no control needed against CAR. - Apples for the 21st Century
Author: Manhart