The Ein Shemer apple, botanically known as Malus domestica "Ein Shemer” is a member of the Rosaceae family. A self-pollinating variety the Ein Shemer is commonly used as a pollinator for another apple from the same region of orgin, the Anna apple.

The Ein Shemer apple is a medium sized apple that has an appearance similar to that of the Golden Delicious apple. The skin of the Ein Shemer apple has a greenish-yellow hue that is oftentimes peaking with blush tones of red. Its interior is creamy white with a crisply textured flesh. A great baking apple, the Ein Shemer apple offers a sweet flavor with semi-acidic notes.

Serving Ideas

The taste and texture of the Ein Shemer apple makes it an ideal choice for eating fresh out of hand or for use in a number of raw recipes. They can also be utilized in cooked preparations which will enhance their natural sweetness. Ein Shemer apples can be roasted, poached, fried or baked. They can also be cooked down to make sauces or pie fillings. Their flavor pairs well with pork, chicken, pears, winter squash, parsnips, sage, rosemary, pecans, honey, brown sugar, butter, sharp cheeses, and warm spices such as nutmeg, cinnamon and cardamom. Ein Shemer apples will keep for up to two weeks in the refrigerator.

Ethnic/Cultural Info

The Ein Shemer and Anna apple make up the bulk of supply of apples grown commercially in Israel.

Geography/History

The Ein Shemer apple was developed in the 1950’s by Abba Stein a member of the kibbutz, or agricultural collective known as Ein Shemer in Israel. First imported to the United States in 1967 it is approved by the U.S. Department of Agriculture to be hardy in zones 4 through 8. Growers have noted it can be grown as far south as zone 9 and in nearly all zones in the United States where conditions are cool in the winter and warm and sunny in the summer. First commercial planting of the Ein Shemer apple tree came from budwood planted at the University of Florida campus in Gainesville. Requiring very little chill hours Ein Shemer apples will thrive and provide ample fruit when grown in full sun and provided with slightly acidic soil. A self fertile variety the Ein Shemer does not require other trees to pollinate, though planting near its relative the Anna apple will help increase productivity and quality of the Ein Shemer apple tree.

Seasons/Availability

Ein Shemer apples are available in the spring and summer months.