| Malus pumila 'Akane' | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Species | Malus pumila |
| Hybrid parentage | 'Jonathan' × 'Worcester Pearmain' |
| Cultivar | 'Akane' |
| Origin |  Japan, 1937[1] |
'Akane', also known as 'Tokyo Rose', 'Tohoku No.3' and 'Prime Red',[2] is a Japanesecultivar of domesticatedapple, that according to Orange Pippin is one of the best early season apples.[3]
'Akane' was developed by the Morika Experimental Station of Japan sometime between 1900 and 1949,[4] by crossing aJonathan apple with aWorcester Pearmain,[3][5] and was introduced to theUnited States in 1937, where it is very popular.[3][6]
'Akane' is of moderately good disease resistance, best at warm climates but tolerates cold also. It flowers mid-late season, and should be harvested early-mid season. It is self-sterile and needs to becross pollinated.
It produces heavy crop of variable sized fruits,[3] usually more to the smaller side,[5] but good sized apples can be obtained by thinning.[7]
'Akane' carries the fruit shape of the English 'Worcester Pearmain', and the unusually good balanced flavor of the 'Jonathan'.[8] Shape ranges from flattened to heart-shaped.[5] Fruits have a very good flavor, a blend of sweet and sharp, preferable for eating, keeps shape in cooking. Flesh color is white,[3] with a yellow tinge. The flesh does not oxidize quickly. The apple is crisp, but not too dense; it is easy to eat.[5] Skin color is red. The fruit keeps fresh for about one week.[3][unreliable source?]
