Astrachan (Red Astrachan) Size medium to sometimes large; very perishable; skin rather thin, moderately tender, smooth, pale yellow or greenish, often nearly or quite overspread with light and dark red, splashed and irregularly striped with deep crimson or carmine, and covered with rather heavy bluish tint, numerous small whitish dots; flesh white, often strongly tinged with red, rather fine, crisp, tender, juicy, brisk medium acid, aromatic, sometimes slightly astringent; good cooking apple before it becomes fully ripe; desirable for dessert when fully ripe and mellow.