| Malus pumila 'Akane' | |
| Species: | Malus pumila |
| Hybrid: | 'Jonathan' × 'Worcester Pearmain' |
| Cultivar: | 'Akane' |
| Origin: | , 1937[1] |
'Akane', also known as 'Tokyo Rose', 'Tohoku No.3' and 'Prime Red', is a Japanese cultivar of domesticated apple, that according to Orange Pippin is one of the best early season apples.[2]
'Akane' was developed by the Morika Experimental Station of Japan sometime between 1900 and 1949,[3] by crossing a Jonathan apple with a Worcester Pearmain,[2] and was introduced to the United States in 1937, where it is very popular.[2] [4]
'Akane' is of moderately good disease resistance, best at warm climates but tolerates cold also. It flowers mid-late season, and should be harvested early-mid season. It is self-sterile and needs to be cross pollinated.
It produces heavy crop of variable sized fruits,[2] usually more to the smaller side, but good sized apples can be obtained by thinning.[5] 'Akane' carries the fruit shape of the English 'Worcester Pearmain', and the unusually good balanced flavor of the 'Jonathan'.[6] Shape ranges from flattened to heart-shaped. Fruits have a very good flavor, a blend of sweet and sharp, preferable for eating, keeps shape in cooking. Flesh color is white,[2] with a yellow tinge. The flesh does not oxidize quickly. The apple is crisp, but not too dense; it is easy to eat.[7] Skin color is red. The fruit keeps fresh for about one week.[2]