The Probert Encyclopaedia of Nature

EMPIRE

Empire is a variety of apple which is a cross between McIntosh and Red Delicious and takes on the best characteristics of both. It is redder and firmer than McIntosh, and because it stores longer it provides the marketplace with a McIntosh-type apple well into the spring. Some claim that
Empire' s flavour, like fine wine, improves during storage. It combines the mild tartness of McIntosh with full-flavoured Red Delicious sweetness. In 1989 24 leading international apple researchers were polled as to what they considered the ten best apple varieties in the world, and they ranked Empire No. 7. It is excellent for eating out of hand and in salads and for use in baking and cooking.
Research Empire