Malta Black vs Hardy Chicago: a matchup of champions

[Kelby]

There's been some talk as to whether or not Malta Black is a Mt Etna type. Herman2 just adressed it on f4f. I picked these this morning for comparison. Both have had nearly identical care this year, except Malta Black may get a little more sun. Malta Black fruits have been consistently larger and started ripening a good 2-3 weeks sooner (sun may be partially the cause of earlier ripening). Malta Black also has thicker skin. Flavor is similar in the dark berry group, but Malta Black can have a little more acid, especially if picked early it is almost citruslike. Both are delicious and recommended!

Hardy Chicago is on the left, Malta Black on the right.

[TylerJ]

Thanks for the comparison Kelby! I think this would be a good one for us northern growers for sure especially for in-ground planting since its able to produce fruit even after complete dieback as noted in Herman2's observations.

[mountainfigs]

All Mt Etna fruits typically vary from year to year, season to season, day to day. This is not remotely a uniform looking fruit, unlike some cultivars.

Herman2's Malta Black appears to be situated in a much better draining location in his yard than his other trees which could account for, and probably does, all of the differences he describes.