Empire apples are bright red with faint white markings and a light green cap. They are a medium size, perfect for children’s school lunches. They have a crispy, crunchy texture and a creamy white interior. Developed at Cornell University in the 1940’s, they are named after their state of origin, New York, the “Empire State”. A cross between Red Delicious and McIntosh, the Empire apple offers the best characteristics of both, sweet like a Red Delicious and tart like a McIntosh. Excellent for snacking and salads, they are also good for sauces, baking, pies and freezing.