Kidd's Orange Red is a small-medium sized, spreading tree. It has moderate resistance to fireblight, scab, and cedar-apple rust, but is susceptible to canker. Although it is a reliable annual bearer, thinning is recommended for optimal fruit size. It is more tolerant of warm climates than its parent, Cox's Orange Pippin. This is a trouble-free tree that will reward with outstanding, if not highly abundant, fruit.

A mid-season, medium-sized, conical, and slightly ribbed apple, Kidd's is well covered with a orange-red flush and will show patches of russet if exposed to spring frosts. The flesh is firm and finely textured, with a sweet, aromatic flavor. One of the best of the Cox's progeny, Kidd's wins high praise from tasters: "The flavor is a rich blend of sugar and acids with the aroma of violets–wow!" (Orin Martin, UCSC Farm & Garden). This apple stores for about two months and will hang well on the tree, allowing several harvests.

Kidd's Orange Red is a cross of Cox's and Red Delicious. It was bred by the amateur enthusiast James Hutton Kidd, who also gave us Freyburg and Gala. Mr. Kidd was a fruit farmer and hobby breeder from Wairarapa, New Zealand.