The York Imperial has been grown in Pennsylvania for roughly two centuries and remains one of the state’s signature apple varieties, but shoppers may rarely see one in a supermarket produce aisle.
Spotlight PA reports that the variety is particularly valued for processing and storage, so consumers are more likely to encounter Yorks in applesauce, juice, cider, vinegar or apple butter than in a fruit bowl.
The heirloom apple traces its history to York County, where a nurseryman is believed to have developed the variety from a local seedling.
Source: Asha Prihar, Spotlight PA.
