The difference between Empire and Royal Empire apples lies in their appearance, taste, and overall characteristics. While both varieties belong to the same family, the Royal Empire apple tree is an improved version of the Empire variety, offering several advantages to growers and consumers alike.
1. Appearance:
The most noticeable difference between Empire and Royal Empire apples is their skin color. The Royal Empire variety boasts a more vibrant red color on its skin compared to the Empire variety. This deep red hue gives the Royal Empire apples an attractive and eye-catching appearance, making them stand out in a fruit bowl or on a tree branch.
2. Size and Flavor:
Royal Empire apples tend to be larger than Empire apples. Their size is impressive, making them visually appealing and giving consumers a satisfying bite. Additionally, the Royal Empire apples have a distinct flavor profile. The yellow flesh of these apples is both crispy and juicy, providing a delightful texture and a burst of refreshing sweetness. This unique combination of size and flavor makes the Royal Empire apples a sought-after choice among apple enthusiasts.
3. Disease Resistance and Productivity:
One of the significant advantages of the Royal Empire apple tree is its improved disease resistance. This variety is specifically bred to be hardy and resistant to common apple tree diseases, such as apple scab and powdery mildew. As a result, growers can enjoy a more resilient tree that requires less maintenance and is less prone to damage from these common diseases. This disease resistance also contributes to the overall productivity of the Royal Empire apple tree. With fewer disease-related issues, the tree can focus its energy on producing an abundance of high-quality apples.
4. Growing Conditions:
The Royal Empire apple tree, like its Empire counterpart, prefers to be grown in full sun and well-drained soil. It is important to provide adequate spacing between trees to allow for proper air circulation and avoid the spread of diseases. Regular pruning and maintenance are necessary to ensure the tree’s health and productivity.
Personal Experience:
I have had the opportunity to grow both Empire and Royal Empire apple trees in my garden. While both varieties produce tasty apples, I found the Royal Empire apples to be more visually appealing with their vibrant red color. The larger size of the Royal Empire apples also made them more enjoyable to eat, as each bite provided a satisfying crunch and a burst of sweet juice. In terms of disease resistance, I noticed that the Royal Empire tree showed fewer signs of apple scab, which is a common issue in my area. This made the Royal Empire tree easier to care for and resulted in a higher yield of healthy apples.
To summarize, the Royal Empire apple tree offers several advantages over the Empire variety. Its vibrant red skin, larger size, and distinct flavor make it a visually appealing and tasty choice for apple enthusiasts. Additionally, its improved disease resistance and productivity make it a valuable option for growers looking for a hardy and productive tree.
