The Snow Apple — aptly named for both the fruit’s white flesh and the tree’s winter hardiness — is one of the oldest known apple varieties. Also called the Fameuse, it originated in France, probably in the 1600s and was introduced to Canada and America one hundred years later.
The Snow Apple was the most common cultivated apple in Quebec, Canada for over 100 years, until an unknown disease or severe cold snap killed almost all the trees in the 1860s. Following the demise of the Quebec line, the Snow Apple fell into obscurity and is rarely grown today.
However, it’s got a lot to recommend it, most notably its flavor and rich, strawberry-like aroma. The fruit is on the small side, but very sweet and juicy. Writer and botanist Jules N. Paquet waxed poetic about the apple in his comprehensive book, Le Journal D’Agriculture Illustre, published in 1889. He said, “But I remain without expressions when I eat a Fameuse apple in our happy winter evenings. Is there a most succulent, most tasty; with a richer taste and more flavourful? In one word, is the Fameuse, no species will equal it in quality, argue its glorious title; Admittedly it has certainly not stolen it’s picturesque name.”
The Snow Apple is believed to be a direct ancestor of today’s well-loved McIntosh apple. It has a similar deep crimson skin with green stripes. The tree has a heavy branching and bearing habit and needs regular pruning to keep it in line. Without early thinning, it tends to produce a heavy crop biennially (every other year). The fruit doesn’t keep particularly well, so it is best eaten fresh, or used for cider or baked goods.
The Snow Apple tree is usually thought of as a hardy tree for cold climates, but it’s also found in warmer regions. Most sources rate it as hardy between USDA Plant Hardiness Zones 3 and 8. It has good disease resistance to mildew and bacterial canker, but is very susceptible to scab.
Is your curiosity piqued? Whether you want to grow your own tree or purchase some snow apples to eat, read on for more information on this antique apple.
Where to Buy Snow Apple Trees
Nature Hills Nursery – Costs for bare root Snow Apples are a bit more than other nurseries, but free shipping offers sweeten the deal.
Maple Valley Orchards and Nursery – If you’re experienced at grafting or need an affordable option for starting an orchard, visit this site. Maple Valley sells scionwood and root stock so you can graft your own Snow Apple trees at a fraction of the cost of bare root trees, which the company also sells.
Cummins Nursery – This small family-owned nursery offers exceptional customer service and an informative website. If they don’t have the tree you want, they’ll do their best to graft it for you.
Trees of Antiquity – This nursery sells certified organic stock. Trees ship while dormant between January and April.
Buying Fameuse Apples
Masonville Orchard in Fort Collins, Colorado is committed to raising heirloom and rare apple varieties. They sell fruit in season, including Snow Apples, at local farmers markets. For an additional charge, they ship fruit nationwide.
Alber Orchard and Cider Mill in Manchester, Michigan sells Snow Apples in season. Visit here for hayrides and a U-pick pumpkin patch too.
Windy Hill Orchard and Farm Market in Cassville, New York sells Snow Apples in addition to many other varieties. Buy boxed apples or pick your own (heirloom varieties may not be available for picking). Windy Hill also offers crafts, farm classes and field trip options.
General Information
A Poet and His Apples from Vermont’s Local Banquet – This wonderful article from Ellen Williams highlights the 90 year old Snow Apple tree still standing on Robert Frost’s Vermont farm. Historians speculate that the poet himself planted this majestic tree. The article also illustrates some of the challenges of saving and propagating antique trees.
Fameuse from Orange Pippin. If you’re an apple or fruit enthusiast, you’ll want to bookmark this site. Orange Pippin offers information on hundreds of apple varieties, including the Snow Apple. You’ll also find recipes, growing information and general articles about apples. Visit this site to join an Fruit Share program, as well. Whether you have extra fruit to give away or you’re looking for fruit, this site can help you find a match.
Snow Apple from Backyard Gardener. Here you’ll find basic growing information on the Snow Apple and many other apple varieties.
Snow Apple of Quebec from Good Fruit Grower. Click on this link for a critical review of both the pros and cons of growing Snow Apple trees.
Lesley Strutt says
Hello, I thought you might be interested to know that my ancestor Charles Hammett Snow was the Dominion Pomologist of Canada and he invented the Snow apple.
I grew up not far from the orchard where the original apple tree was said to have been cultivated.
Lesley
Gardening Channel says
That’s terrific! Thanks for stopping by and leaving a comment.
Alex Adams says
Hi Lesley,
Looks like it has been four years since you wrote your comment, but, I thought I would write back, now in 2018, to enquire about your relation, Charles Snow. I grew up in the north part of Gloucester, where there was a Snow family, that was twice displaced, once by the Rockcliffe airbase and then again by the National Research Council, in Ottawa. From two references, I have the following info: In 1868, John A. Snow registered a mortgage on a 57-hectare [140-acre] portion
of the property. Snow was a surveyor who came to Canada from Boston and
owned property in the Ottawa area. After his death in 1888 the property
passed to his sons. Because there were so many mortgage holders over the
years, it appears the land was not used for any purpose other than light farming
until Charles H. Snow (1862–1931) inherited the property. The farm then saw
its greatest agricultural development as Snow, for many years a pomologist
and Chief Inspector of Fruit and Vegetables for the Department of Agriculture,
planted apple orchards and constructed out-buildings for the fruit harvest. It was
named the Island View Fruit and Berry Farm because, from its vantage on the
property’s rocky cliffs, it looked out over the Ottawa River onto Kettle Island.
Trudy Carisse says
Wow! That’s awesome…I grew up in Ontario, Canada and we had some trees in our yard…they were white and pink and red on the outside and had red veining on the inside…they were so tasty…☺️❤️
Laurel says
We buy our Snow apples in Parshallville Michigan. So delicious!
Rob Van Luven says
Hi There,
Thank you for the history of this amazing fruit tree. My wife and granddaughter were out apple picking on Sunday and came across a row of these little fruits. Never hearing of them, I plucked one form the tree and bit into, It was juicy and sweet and not very acidic, enjoyed it immensely. If you want to try one yourself and if you are in South Western Ontario the orchard is located at 235 Howell Road St. George, Ontario, Canada N0E 1N0. 1-888-274-2563 (519) 448-1111. On our way put I stepped over to their out door market and picked up a kilo of RAW honey collected from the bees that are dropped off in the spring and collected and harvested in the fall from Master Bee Keeper John *VaAlth (*I cant quit make out the signature on the jar) from Carlisle Ontario
Charlotte Gann says
I have a lone snow apple tree in my yard in Victoria, BC., my pride and joy, consistently productive. My house was built in 1903, like many others here . Prior to this, the
entire neighbourhood was a mixed orchard. Most of the original trees are gone but this little beauty remains. Just about time to harvest it, am trying to keep the rats and squirrels from taking the bulk.
glenn peister says
Hello, I’m wondering if you’d be interested in selling and shipping some of your wonderful snow apples? My grandad was talking about these apples, and how you can’t find them anywhere any more!
I’ll leave his name in email address if you’re interested at all! 🙂
Farm Wife says
There is a Snow Apple that grows on the roadside near me. Although untented in anyway, the apples are abundant, beautiful and have few blemishes. These apples make perfect applesauce, requiring no sugar whatsoever .
Sue k says
I’m so amazed to have found this site. When I was younger my grandparents had an orchard full of fruit trees. The one that alway stood out to me was the snow apples. I would love to grow a few, does anyone no where to purchase in Ontario?
Anne Prowse says
Perhaps Charles Hamnet Snow had a role to play in the reintroduction of this famous apple, but the gardening Channel website states that
“The Snow Apple — aptly named for both the fruit’s white flesh and the tree’s winter hardiness — is one of the oldest known apple varieties. Also called the Fameuse, it originated in France, probably in the 1600s and was introduced to Canada and America one hundred years later”. I wonder if there are any hard facts on Mr. Snow’s work in relation to the snow apple. He was a pomologist. If he did come up with a new variety, there has to be more to it than family history.
Jaye says
Thank you so much for this information. My grandmother is 94 and talks of eating snow apples as a kid in Warwick, RI. She describes them as having bright white center and brilliant red skin, she says they’re the most delicious apple she’s ever eaten. I’ve been on a search to find them for her.
EB says
I wonder if these snow apple can be shipped. I live in the California Sierras. I’ve never seen a snow apple. On an impulse this morning I decided to Google the term that was my recently deceased father’s nickname for me when I was a toddler. I thought he came up with it. What a surprise to learn that the snow apple was indeed a true apple. I’m so curious now and would love to try one. Any suggestions if a grower/shipper would be appreciated. ?