It was a chance seedling that sprouted up in Wilfred Mennell's orchard in the Similkameen Valley of British Columbia back in the early 90's. The family had recently planted saplings intending to grow Jonagold apples after removing the old Golden Delicious trees. Somehow one young tree "volunteered" and was different from the others. The apples were red with patches of yellow and were sweet, juicy and crunchy. They were so good that the field hands kept them all to themselves.
Realizing they had accidentally developed a new variety of apple, the Mennell family named it Ambrosia, from Greek mythology for "food of the gods." It is a Canadian original having a butter yellow skin blushed with red and only 80 calories, loaded with lots of healthy fiber and Vitamins A & C.
Today this Canadian apple is grown all over North America, Europe, Chile and New Zealand, but only in licensed orchards and is available world wide. It can be enjoyed out of hand, fresh, especially in salads since when sliced it is slow to brown. And in cooking it holds its shape well in pies and tarts.
Next time you are perusing the produce aisle pick up some "accidental apples" from our
northern neighbors.
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