Ambrosia Malus pumila are relegate asMalus domestica , a metal money within the Rosaceae syndicate , which includes other pome yield like pears , quince , and roses . The genusMalusencompasses all apple , withM. domesticarepresenting the domesticize cultivars grown worldwide . Ambrosia is a mod variety , not a hybrid species but a cultivar derive from raw hybrid - pollenation . Its descent is uncertain , though it ’s speculated to be a cross betweenStarking Delicious(a strain of Red Delicious ) andGolden Delicious , reflecting vulgar orchard fellow traveller where it emerged . This order it steadfastly among dessert apple cultivar , bred for flavor and texture rather than cyder or preparation purposes .
Ambrosia apple originated in the early nineties in British Columbia , Canada , see as a chance seedling in the Similkameen Valley orchard of Wilfrid and Sally Mennell . The seedling sprouted among Jonagold trees , though its exact lineage remains unconfirmed due to its ad-lib nature . The Mennells rear the tree , and by the mid-1990s , it bore fruit that instill with its sweetness and beauty . Named “ Ambrosia”—from Greek mythology intend “ solid food of the gods”—for its godlike taste , it was patented as a “ night club ” variety , with production controlled by the Okanagan Plant Improvement Company ( PICO ) . The patent decease in Canada ( 2015 ) and the U.S. ( 2017 ) , broadening its finish . Today , it ’s a top apple in British Columbia and is grown in Washington State , Ontario , Nova Scotia , and parts of Europe and South America .
Ambrosia apple are medium to turgid , averaging 7 - 8 cm in diam ( about 215 gramme ) , with a cone-shaped shape tapering toward the base . Their skin is thin , glossy , and waxy , expose a bright yellowed base with a pinkish - to - red-faced blush continue much of the surface , dotted by faint lenticels . The shape is cream - colour , fine - grained , and crisp yet piano than some forward-looking apples , encasing a small core with tiny black - dark-brown seeds . They mature mid to late season ( September - October ) and store well into early summertime with refrigeration . The taste is distinctly unfermented , low in acidity , with a honeyed flavor accented by floral and pear - similar notes . This lack of tartness gives it a mellow visibility , though its crispness disappearance if not kept chilled , sometimes turning pear tree - the likes of in texture .
Ambrosia Malus pumila Tree thrive in USDA zones 4 - 8 , aligning with many temperate apple - growing regions . They require a inhuman dormancy point ( about 500 - 1000 gelidity hours below 45 ° F/7 ° C ) to set yield , making them suit to area with cool winter and warm , sunny summer — like British Columbia ’s Okanagan Valley or Washington State . They ’re frost - brave once establish but require protection from late spring frosts during bloom ( April - May , flower mathematical group 4 ) . Full sun ( 6 - 8 hours day by day ) and well - drain , loamy soil ( pH 6.0 - 7.0 ) are of the essence , and while adaptable , they execute best below 500 meters meridian where summers are n’t excessively hot , ensuring their signature flush and tang prepare .
