SUNDANCE

​​About the Variety: Sundance (also marketed as "Sundancer") is a disease-resistant variety developed by the PRI program. It's known for its unusual tropical fruit flavor notes - often described as having pineapple and lemon characteristics. Sundance has gained popularity among organic growers for its scab resistance and among fresh market growers for its distinctive sweet-tart flavor and attractive appearance.

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Fruit Description: Large, crispy apples with bright red blush over yellow background, often developing orange tones. Flesh is cream-colored, very crisp, and juicy. Flavor is distinctive and complex - sweet-tart with prominent pineapple and citrus notes that set it apart from traditional apple flavors. The unique taste profile makes it either beloved or polarizing depending on individual preferences.

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Harvest Window for Cincinnati/Southern Ohio: Mid to Late September (typically September 15-30)

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Ripeness Indicators:

• Background color shifts from green to bright yellow

• Red blush deepens and covers 60-80% of fruit

• Tropical fruit aroma becomes noticeable

• Fruit separates easily from spur

• Some fruit may begin dropping when fully ripe

• Pick promptly at peak ripeness - doesn't hang well when overripe

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Disease Resistance:

• Highly resistant to apple scab

• Resistant to cedar apple rust

• Some resistance to fire blight and mildew

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Sundance's disease resistance makes it reliable for low-maintenance community orchards.

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Best Uses:

• Fresh eating: Excellent for out-of-hand eating - unique flavor is best appreciated fresh

• Storage: Keeps well for up to 7 months in cold storage, though flavor is best in first 3 months

• Specialty uses: Great for fresh apple salads where citrus notes complement greens

• Not ideal for: Traditional apple pie (unusual flavor); better for fresh applications

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How to Share This Fruit: Sundance works beautifully for early fall "first harvest" celebrations in mid-September. Its unusual tropical flavor makes it a great conversation starter - organize a blind tasting event where people compare Sundance to more traditional varieties. Excellent for kids' harvest events because the pineapple notes appeal to young palates and the large size makes fruit impressive. Consider a fresh salad potluck where people bring dishes featuring the unique flavor - Sundance pairs well with sharp cheese, nuts, and bitter greens. Because it stores well, you can also do an initial harvest party and keep some back for Thanksgiving distributions as a special treat. The distinctive flavor makes Sundance memorable and helps people learn to identify different apple varieties.