What Happened to McIntosh Red Apples?

People who remember McIntosh Red apples often ask why they no longer see them in local shops. The answer is more complicated than the variety disappearing.

Have McIntosh apples vanished?

No. McIntosh remains a recognised apple cultivar and trees can still be found through specialist sources. However, availability of the fresh fruit differs substantially between countries and retailers.

Why might shops carry fewer?

Supermarkets make decisions based on supply chains, handling, storage life and consumer demand. Softer-fleshed varieties can present different transport and storage challenges from firmer modern apples. That is a possible explanation, not proof of why any particular Scottish retailer stopped stocking them.

How to find them now

Ask specialist fruit sellers by variety name, watch for autumn stock and consider a home-grown tree if you have space.

See our UK buying guide.