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Spartan
DCHP-2 (Oct 2016)
n. — Food, Agriculture, often used in Spartan apple
a firm red apple (see Image 1).
Type: 1. Origin — The Spartan apple was developed in 1936 by R.C. Palmer in Summerland, BC, as part of Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada's apple breeding program. The apple was mistakenly thought to be a cross between a McIntosh and a Newton (see, e.g. the 1972 quotation). Genetic tests have shown that the apple is of unknown parentage. The Spartan remains popular, and is the third most widely grown apple variety in British Columbia at present (2013) (see Science Canada reference). Internet domain searches indicate that the term is most prevalent in Canada (see Chart 1).
See also COD-2, s.v. "Spartan"(2), which is marked "esp. Cdn".
See also COD-2, s.v. "Spartan"(2), which is marked "esp. Cdn".
Quotations
1950
The fruit tends to be large but of good quality and it keeps well. Varieties which are doing well on this stock include Cox Orange, Delicious, Golden Delicious, Jonathan, Jubilee, Lodi, McIntosh, Newtown, Rome Beauty, Spartan, Stayman, Winesap and Yellow Transparent.
1956
Spartan, an apple variety which originated in Summerland, B.C., is the only one in the Okanagan Valley that has made any headway in recent years. There are, however, 184 varieties and strains of apples under test at Summerland Experimental Farm, Canada Department of Agriculture, according to D. V. Fisher of that Station.
In the McIntosh season, three varieties have shown sufficient promise to be given consideration. First on the list is Spartan, because of its high quality, good color, scab resistance and later maturity than McIntosh. It seems almost certain that this variety will find a place in the British Columbia fruit industry and possibly in other important McIntosh areas.
Kendall, an origination from a McIntosh cross at the New York Agricultural Experimental Station in Geneva, appears to be somewhat of a competitor for Spartan. This variety produces fruit of good size, uniformity and high color, but is not as firm in texture or as good in quality as Spartan.
1968
A sweet and tart flavour combination is achieved in the spicy topping of molasses and crisp, tasty apples like B.C. McIntosh Reds or Red Spartans. It might very well become one of the "top ten" in your family's dessert favourites.
1972
Most of the Spartan apples in the world are grown in the beautiful Okanagan Valley of B.C. where they were first developed by crossing a Newton apple with a red McIntosh. The apple created by the union is totally unique - distinctive sweet flavour, beautiful deep red colour, snowy white flesh...great for cooking as well as fresh eating.
1984
Canadian apples are excellent for most of the year and perhaps the worst problem is finding your special favorites in the local supermarket. Often the chain stores carry the more popular - McIntosh, Delicious and Spartan.
1991
spartan (4) - A popular dark red dessert apple from British Columbia. It is a mild, sweet apple with good storage life. Tree is very hardy. A rising star in the orchard industry. Quite scab resistant.
1999
But which variety works best for which recipe? Boyd, who wrote The Great Canadian Apple Cookbook (Millview Publishing) with his wife Victoria, says he favours Cortlands for pies and crisps because they retain their shape, while Jonagold does the trick for a softer, creamier filling.
Spartans are excellent for Waldorf salads and for stir-fries, he says, while for applesauce, "I use any apple I can lay my hands on."
The apple of Boyd's eye, however, is the versatile Russet or Golden Russet, which he cherishes for its "beautiful, flowery smell and flavour, which has an undertone of pineapple."
2009
Pamela Sinclair, one of the organizers of the festival, says 250 pounds of 'Spartan' apples will also be brought in for the event -- "just to remind people that B.C.'s most famous apple is an oldie but a goodie when they are shopping for lunches through the winter."
References
- COD-2
- Science Canada • "Spartan Apples"
Images
Image 1: Spartan apples. Photo: www.hardyfruittrees.ca
