Fruit

ARKANSAS BLACK originated in Arkansas about 1870, and is speculated to be a seedling of Winesap. Medium in size, the color is a lively red, deepening on the exposed side to a purplish red or nearly black. Flesh is yellowish, very hard and crisp, with a distinctive aromatic flavor. It is a long keeper that improves in storage. Ripens in October or November. Good for cider and cooking.

Various sources list this apple as either pollen sterile or triploid, thus to achieve fruit set, the selection of at least two other apple varieties which bloom during the same period is advisable.