The tree is vigorous and a heavy bearer that remains small. It is moderately susceptible to all major diseases. Ripening mid-season, it is hardy to zone 5.

A small, broadly conical, long-stemmed apple, it is predominantly yellow, but streaked and splashed with bright orange and finely webbed with russeting. The apple is sugary sweet, tangy, and of a most delicious mellow flavor, but has a short keeping life. The fine-grained flesh is very juicy and does not oxidize after cutting–it's a great salad and lunchbox apple. It produces a cider that is high in sugar and acid, and low in tannin.

Golden Nugget is a 1932 cross of Golden Russet and Cox's Orange Pippin developed by the Canadian Department of Agriculture in Nova Scotia. With two such illustrious parents we should not be surprised that this is an excellent all-purpose apple for fresh eating, sauce, pies, apple butter, and cider. Despite its appealing flavor, Golden Nugget has not achieved commercial success, probably because of its russeting and small size.