Editing McIntosh (apple) (section)

==Description==

The McIntosh, or McIntosh Red (nicknamed the "Mac"),{{sfn|Fox|2010}} is the most popular apple [[cultivar]] in eastern Canada and the northeastern United States. It also sells well in [[Eastern Europe]].{{sfn|Ferree|Warrington|2003|p=74}}

A spreading tree that is moderately vigorous, the McIntosh bears annually or in alternate years.{{sfn|Ferree|Warrington|2003|p=74}} The tree is hardy to at least [[United States Department of Agriculture|USDA]] [[Hardiness zone]] 4a, or {{convert|-34|C|F}}. 50% or more of its flowers die at {{convert|-3.1|C|F}} or below.{{sfn|Ferree|Warrington|2003|p=74}}

[[File:Platexlvii.jpg|right|thumb|alt=Illustration of red and green apple above, and a cross section of the same below.|A McIntosh that was illustrated in 1901]]

The McIntosh apple is a small to medium-sized round fruit with a short stem.  It has a red and green skin that is thick, tender, and easy to peel.  Its white flesh is sometime tinged with green or pink and is juicy, tender, and firm, soon becoming soft. The flesh is easily bruised.{{sfn|Ferree|Warrington|2003|p=74}}

The fruit is considered "all-purpose", suitable both for eating raw and for cooking.{{sfn|Small|2009|p=64}} It is used primarily for dessert,{{sfn|Ferree|Warrington|2003|p=74}} and requires less time to cook than most cultivars.{{sfn|Small|2009|p=61}} It is usually blended when used for juice.{{sfn|Ferree|Warrington|2003|p=74}}

The fruit grows best in cool areas where nights are cold and autumn days are clear; otherwise, it suffers from poor colour and soft flesh, and tends to fall from the tree before harvest. It stores for two to three months in air, but is prone to [[Apple scald|scald]], flesh softening, chilling sensitivity,{{sfn|Ferree|Warrington|2003|p=74}} and [[Coprinopsis psychromorbida|coprinus rot]].{{sfn|Ferree|Warrington|2003|p=75}} It can become [[wikt:mealy|mealy]] when stored at temperatures below {{convert|2|C|F}}.{{sfn|Ferree|Warrington|2003|p=74–75}} The fruit is optimally stored in a [[controlled atmosphere]] in which temperatures are between {{convert|1.7|and|3.0|C|F}}, and air content is 1.5–4.5% oxygen and 1–5% carbon dioxide; under such conditions, the McIntosh will keep for five to eight months.{{sfn|Ferree|Warrington|2003|p=75}}