Cripps Pink is an attractive modern apple variety from Australia. Its distinctive pink/red colour and pleasant flavour make it an interesting variety for the gardener or home orchardist. The blossom is also very attractive.
The apples ripen in late October or early November, and can be stored in a fridge for several months.
Although normally considered a variety for eating fresh, Cripps Pink is a good stewing apple - the dense chewy flesh softens nicely with cooking. It also produces a good plain apple juice with a primarily sweet flavour.
Cripps Pink was raised in Western Australia - so it is perhaps not surprising it does best in areas with long hot summers and sunny autumn weather. The apples should ripen in late October or early November.
Cripps Pink also has a low winter-chill requirement, and retains its leaves well into the winter - a characteristic usually associated with tropical rather than temperate trees. It is therefore very suitable for growing in southern and central Europe, but it might be a challenge to get the apples to ripen in northern areas with cool maritime climates.
Cripps Pink was developed in the late 20th century in Western Australia. It is a cross between Golden Delicious and another Australian variety, Lady Williams. It is probably from Lady Williams that it gets its distinct colouring.
This variety description was researched and written by Orange Pippin staff. Last checked: 2024.