Braeburn
| Malus domestica | |
|---|---|
| Genus | Malus |
| Species | Malus domestica |
| Hybrid parentage | Sturmer Pippin × Delicious |
| Cultivar | Braeburn |
| Origin | Nelson, 1950s |
The Braeburn is a cultivar of apple that is firm to the touch with a red/orange vertical streaky appearance on a yellow/green background. Its color intensity varies with different growing conditions.
It was discovered as a chance seedling in 1952 by the farmer O. Moran from Waiwhero in the Moutere Hills near Motueka, New Zealand. It was then cultivated by the Williams Brothers nursery as a potential export variety. A study published in 2020 indicated Braeburn is the offspring of Delicious and Sturmer Pippin, with Lady Hamilton as a sibling. The apple itself is named after Braeburn Orchard near Motueka, where it was first commercially grown.
Braeburn apples have a combination of sweet and tart flavor. They are available October through April in the northern hemisphere and are medium to large in size. They are a popular fruit for growers because of their ability to store well when chilled.
Braeburn apples are useful in cooking as they hold their shape and do not release a great deal of liquid, making them well-suited for tarts. According to the US Apple Association website it is one of the fifteen most popular apple cultivars in the United States.