Freedom is another disease-resistant variety developed by New York’s Agricultural Experiment Station. Introduced in 1983—more than 25 years after the initial cross—Freedom has a diverse genetic background, including Macoun, Antonovka, Golden Delicious, McIntosh, Rome, and Malus floribunda. The Malus floribunda parent imparts the VF gene responsible for scab resistance. (You can read more about its official 1983 release here.)

Ripening Time and Flavor Profile

A reliable Zone 4 variety, Freedom is a good keeper and blooms a few days after McIntosh. It typically ripens in the first week of October (whereas McIntosh is usually ready by the end of September).

In terms of flavor, Freedom is sweet with a mild tartness, but it can be underwhelming. As Van McIver noted during one of our Fall 2023 taste tests, “The flavor is there and then gone. It doesn’t stick around long.” It’s a decent apple—perhaps not as flavorful as Liberty among disease-resistant varieties—but it's still worthy of a place in the orchard for its strong disease resistance, reliable bearing habit, and storability.

Rootstock Information

Freedom is available grafted onto two rootstocks:

• M26 (Semi-Dwarf): Not hardy below -40°F.

• Dolgo: Much more cold-hardy, tolerating temperatures down into the -60°F range.

If you're in a region that flirts with -40°F as your winter low, Dolgo is a safer choice. However, if you're in Eastern Montana or anywhere colder than that, it’s best to consider hardier apple varieties altogether.