Frost ring may occur in one of several different forms. Occasionally a complete

ring around the fruit may be evident, but often there are only partial rings or patches of russetted tissue. Russet is the term applied to the brownish, abnormally roughened area on the skin or finish of the fruit. Another term that is sometimes used, synonymous with frost ring, is russet ring.

Often the freezing temperatures do not last long enough to outright kill the flower or young developing fruit. Frost rings are most often found when a killing frost occurs in the spring, at a time which the flowers are in multiple stages of development. During that frost, many flowers may be killed; however, many of the tiny, expanding fruits can survive. Frost rings are less likely when a severe, hard freeze kills most of the fruit, but very common when a quick freeze kills some of the fruit. Often much of the lower fruit on a single tree, or in an orchard or even in a region may be affected by frost ring. Even though it is ugly in appearance, frost ring only affects the finish of the apple skin not the flavor!