Golden Spur

Discovered in Yakima, Washington, by Elon J. Gilbert and patented by Stark Bro's Nursery in 1961, Starkspur Golden Delicious is the definitive natural spur-type mutation of the original clone. It produces medium-to-large, elongated conical fruit on compact, high-yielding trees that grow to 75% of standard size, optimizing high-density orchards. The thin skin ripens from light green into a vibrant, uniform golden-yellow with conspicuous white lenticels, though it remains highly prone to monsoon-induced russeting. Requiring 700 to 900 winter chilling hours, it thrives across mid-to-high Himalayan belts between 5,500 and 7,500 feet. Harvested mid-to-late September as ground color clears, it serves as an excellent universal pollinator. Its flavor profile is intensely sweet, aromatic, and honey-like with minimal acid. The crisp, juicy, pale-yellow flesh holds pressure reliably, storing for four months in standard refrigeration and seven months in controlled atmosphere setups.