Rome Apple Review
"Queen of the Baking Apple"
The Rome Apple (named after Rome Township, Ohio – not Italy) tastes like an unscented urinal cake lodged in a Gladiator helmet. Perplexingly tasteless and drier than Cicero’s wit, the inedible choking hazard it calls skin becomes a happy memory once you come face-to-face with the chalky ashes of Nero’s victims within. And yet, despite being a revolting munching apple, the Ohio Rome (again, not Italy) stays relevant by holding the appellation “Queen of the Baking Apple”. A true Adonis, this undeniable beauty retains its shape and form even when hollowed and baked, developing a richer flavor once cooked. So when in Rome (Ohio)…do as the Romans do – and bake your fruit.
BONUS POINTS: +2 Baking Apple
- FLAVOR PROFILE -
SWEETNESS
0/5
TARTNESS
0/5
INTENSITY
0/5
ROME APPLE BIO
PARENTAGE
Heirloom
ORIGIN
Rome Township, Ohio
YEAR
1817
AVAILABILITY
Late Fall – Early Winter
BEST USES
Baked Apples
OTHER NAMES
Gillet’s Seedling,
Red Rome, Rome Beauty,
Baker’s Buddy
Congrats on the F100 scale. I’ve enjoyed reading through the site and especially appreciate the lambasting you gave the Red Delicious which is the most offensive apple I’ve ever had the misfortune to eat.
Might I suggest another apple to your list of apples reviewed? The humble Haralson apple is not going to rate high as a munching apple, but it is the true Queen of Baking Apples as it makes the best baked apple desserts… according to my family, anyway. (The apple is also referenced as the best baking apple in the book The Lager Queen of Minnesota, so my family is not alone in its commitment to the Haralson!)
I’ve never heard of the Haralson Apple but would love to try one if I can get my hands on one.
Haralsons are wonderful for baking, and also earn points for being an indestructible rock – I pick a basket every year and transport them halfway across the state to do some baking a week or two later, and the whole basket remains perfect.
I agree whole heartedly that the Haralson is the best baking apple. It was one of the early developments from the University of Minnesota, and had fairly strong popularity, but are getting harder to find. I almost never see them in large grocery stores, but food co-ops in Minnesota that have local apples still have them in stock. Or, though I know it’s not considered”widely available to the public” by the website, going directly to a Minnesota apple orchard is a sure bet.
only in ohio
Baked apples are divine! I use Granny Smiths, as I prefer the tart flavor. But now I’m considering using the top Sweetango…
Haven’t cooked with Sweetango yet but great apple. We have a lot of people that use Stayman/Winesap for cooking as a nice balance of acid/sugar. Have to say we have lots of people that like to use Rome too and they hard for people to find in the stores. My motherinlaw loved using McIntosh in her pies.
Upon my initial encounter with this apple at the supermarket, I was filled with anticipation and eagerness. The anticipation was palpable as I eagerly awaited the opportunity to sample it. Upon arriving at my vehicle, I indulged in my initial bite. The initial thrill was swiftly replaced by a repugnant aversion. One would assume that the red delicious apple is the epitome of unpleasantness, but this new apple variety surpasses it in terms of unpalatability.
I love how you go Rome…Ohio and then go full-bore on the Roman humor! Chef’s Kiss
Many people still enjoy Rome apples especially for cooking, baking. Not to many in the stores anymore but can still be found at local markets and online. Your review I will see is of great humor 🙂
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mine was super soft and because of that was kind of separated from the skin. i thought the flavor was good or at least not bad- mostly just sweet. but the texture was too soft