Mellow · Sweet · Buttery
The Golden Delicious has one of the most distinctly American origin stories in pomology — a chance seedling discovered around 1912 near Porter Creek in Clay County, West Virginia, on the farm of Anderson Mullins.
Stark Brothers Nursery purchased the tree, gave it the marketing name Golden Delicious, and introduced it commercially. The variety's genetic importance proved enormous — it is the parent of Gala, Jonagold, Mutsu/Crispin, and many others.
Golden Delicious was designated the official state fruit of West Virginia in 1995. It became the most widely planted apple variety in France, where it occupies a cultural position analogous to the McIntosh in New England.
Outstanding — one of the premier all-purpose baking apples. Holds shape beautifully in pies and tarts. The thin skin dissolves into baked filling, eliminating peeling. Natural sweetness means 20-30% less added sugar. The honey-like flavor deepens magnificently when cooked.
