Oriole is one of a number of apple varieties developed by the University of Minnesota in the first half of the 20th century. A common characteristic of all these varieties is their ability to withstand the very cold conditions of a Minnesota winter. Oriole is hardy down to zone 3, provided it is grown on a suitable rootstock (MM111 or M7 are popular).
Like all early-season apples Oriole does not keep, although it remains edible for a week after picking - but best kept in a refrigerator. The flavour is lightly acidic, fairly bland but pleasantly juicy, and fairly crisp for an early apple. It is generally regarded as a dual-purpose eating/cooking apple.
USDA identification images for Oriole
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
- Wealthy (parent)
Visitor reviews
Tree register
United States
- Arthur Pitt in Finlayson, MN/PINE
- Chuck in Worthington, MINNESOTA
- Joel Howie in Canton, NEW YORK
- Rick Simoniello in Storrs / Mansfield, CT
- Roger Miller in Madison Heights, VA
- Stephan Orchard in Westfield, INDIANA
Spring blossom records for this variety
2012 season
- 20th April 2012 - tree owned by Chuck in Worthington, United States
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Harvest records for this variety
2015 season
- July 2015 - tree owned by Roger in Madison Heights, United States
Origins
- Species: Malus domestica - Apple
- Originates from: Minnesota, United States
- Introduced: 1949
- Developed by: University of Minnesota
- UK National Fruit Collection accession: 1951-067
Identification
- Country of origin: United States
- Period of origin: 1900 - 1949
- Fruit colour: Green
- Developer: University of Minnesota
Using
- Picking season: Early
- Keeping (of fruit): 1-3 days
- Flavour quality: Average
- Flavour style (apples): Sharper
- Cropping: Good
- Food uses: Eating fresh
- Food uses: Culinary
Growing
- Gardening skill: Beginner
- Flowering group: 3
- Ploidy: Diploid
- Vigour: Slightly large
- Self-fertility: Not self-fertile
Climate
- Climate suitability: Temperate climates
- Cold-hardiness: Cold-hardy
Other qualities
- Disease resistance: Poor
Where to buy fresh fruit
The following orchards grow Oriole:
United States
Iowa
- Wilson's Orchard, Iowa City
Minnesota
- Minnesota Harvest, Jordan
- Novak's Orchards, LLC, Woodbury
- Sekapp Orchard, Rochester
- Sweetland Orchard, Webster