In the orchard, Empire trees are highly productive and grower-friendly, said Way. Empire consistently outyields Red Delicious and is even better than McIntosh as far as marketable yield is concerned.
Empire is a very suitable variety for high-density apple orchards and stores well.
She released the station's newest apple, Fortune, last January. Fortune, a firm, juicy apple with a sprightly, spicy flavor, is good for fresh eating, pies, and sauce, and will be available in limited quantities at local supermarkets this fall. According to Silsby, Empire has gained a wide acceptance for a number of reasons. New York growers currently produce half of the total U.S. Empire crop, which amounts to 95 million lbs. or 2.5 million bushels. Empire is one of five prominent commercial varieties that have been released by the New York State Agricultural Experiment Station in Geneva, NY, during its 116-year history of service to New York State agriculture.