At Sage Hen Farm in Lodi, NY, we have a young orchard, several older fruit trees planted by a previous owner, and remnants from a much older apple orchard now part of a mixed deciduous woods. Whenever we are asked how many fruit trees we have, we honestly answer that we don't know. We have been planted over 90 trees, including apples, pears, peaches, cherries, apricots, and plums. We obtained the trees as bare-roots from
different sources, principally from New York State nurseries, Cummins, St. Lawrence, Miller's, and Schlabach's, plus Fedco Trees in Maine and Century Farms in North Carolina. One replacement apple tree came from our local Agway in a pot, . We have concentrated on antique and winter hardy, varieties recommended for
cider-making, and some modern cultivars highly recommended for a variety of reasons. We are only beginning to see the first fruits of our efforts. This chart identifies and
describes the apple trees in our orchard. On another page is chart of other fruit trees (pear, peach cherry, plum, and apricot). Since we are uncertain as to the identity of most of the established trees, only the trees from the new orchard are included.
Variety
Origin &
Date
Image Sources |
Size,
Shape &
Flavor |
Color & Texture of Skin &
Flesh |
Bloom
&
Harvest |
Rootstook
&
Hardiness |
Source
Year
Location |
Merits & Faults
Ratings |
Cole's Quince
(Quince of Cole)
[same as or confused with Seneca Spice & Seneca Favorite]
Me.
before
1850
me |
large
flattish, ribbed or knobby
rich; sweet to sub-acid |
yellow, dotted; thick skinned
yellow, blushed; texture is crisp and tender |
early [est.]
late August |
Antonovka (100%)
to z3 |
ME
2007
Row 1 |
Merits: Tree: annual; early bearer. Fruit: good for fresh & "first-rate" for cooking.
Faults: Fruit: poor keeper.
Merit or fault?: ripens over several weeks.
Ratings: AoNY: favorably mentioned, but not rated; NY1907: _ [Supplanted by better sorts]; Bull91: 5-6/* [97 & 99: no change]; B-H: g-vg; Can: best [but may refer to different apple]; Cole [son of its propagator]: "when in perfection, we have not seen its superior; Eliott: vg; Lowther: vg; ME94: vg/*; ME08: vg; Hooper: 2; UIll: vg for cooking (one of 17 of "greatest promise for general usefulness"); Ragan: vg; Waugh: fair |
Duchess of Oldenburg (Borovitsky, Duchess, Oldenburg)
Russia
1700
ta ng
 |
large
round, slightly ribbed
tart |
maroon over cream or green, blue bloom; moderately thick skinned
pale cream; semi-firm; texture is moderately fine-grained & juicy |
last week in April to second week of May
late Aug to early Sept
| G16 (30%)
to z3
|
NY1
2005
first fruit: 2006
Row 3 |
Merits: Tree: very hardy (ironclad); early bearer; heavy cropper of large fruit; well adapted to different soils and climates; bears fruits uniform in size & shape; fruits hang well on tree; require little pruning. Fruit: prized for early season cooking and sauce;
Faults: Tree: susceptible to various diseases. Fruit: poor keeper; becomes mealy when overripe; not prized for fresh eating.
Merit or fault?: Tree: tip bearer (pruning challenge); ripens over several weeks; tends to be biennial, but often annual; naturally small tree. Fruit: not very juicy (makes it good for baking); reports on flavor vary: not highly flavored, too tart, or well flavored.
Ratings: AoNY: g-vg for culinary purposes; NY1907: * [** in other regions]; NY1916: 13; BC: good; Bull91: 4-5/** [97 & 99: no change]; B-H: described but not rated; Can; dessert fair, cooking good, commercial value - first class; Cole: excellent only for cooking; Lowther: G; Hooper: 2; ME94: good/**; MICH: f/m; Ont: 2/10/10/10; Ragan: good; Waugh: fair ; Wilkinson: good/* |
Garden Royal
Massachusetts
before
1800 |
small to medium
wide, slightly ribbed
rich & pleasant sub-acid |
green yellow with dull red & orange-red stripes, dotted; thin skinned
yellow; texture is very tender & juicy; |
early [est.]
late August
|
Antonovka (100%)
to z4 |
ME
2007
Row 6 |
Merits: Tree: early bearer; hardy; long-lived. Fruit: pleasantly aromatic; one of highest rated for flavor.
Faults: Tree: biennial. Fruit: poor keeper; tender skin.
Merit or fault?: Tree: naturally small; heavy cropper, but thinning required for good sized fruit. Fruit: small.
Ratings: AoNY: vg; NY1907: *; Bull1891: 10/** [97: **, 99: *]; B-H: best; Cole: nothing superior; ME94: best/*; Ragan: best; Waugh: best |
Lodi
(Improved Yellow Transparent)
Montgomery X Yellow Transparent, NY
1911
aa ea vt ng |
large
somewhat
elongated
mild sub-acid to tart |
pale yellow; thin & tender skinned
white; texture is moderately soft & tender |
First or second week of May
early August |
Antonovka (100%)
to z3 |
NY2
2003
first fruit: 2006
Creekside
|
Merits: Tree: very hardy (nearly ironclad); resistant to apple scab; fruit hangs well. Fruit: prized for sauce & early season pies
Faults: Tree: tends biennial; bears fruits uneven in size & shape. Fruit: very poor keeper; quickly browning flesh; becomes mealy when overripe;
Merit or fault?: Tree: heavy cropper, but much thinning required for good sized fruit and to prevent biennial bearing. Fruit: susceptible to sweet water core [provides special burst of flavor, but lead to decay at core]. |
Northfield Beauty
(Siberian crab x Hubbardston?)
Vermont.
before 1875;
lost, but reintroduced from California by Albert Etter
ea |
medium to large
wide, asymmetric
spicy subacid; complex flavors |
red & red stripes dominant over yellow; tender skinned
white; texture is crisp & juicy |
First week of May
late Aug into Sept
|
M111 (80%)
to z3
|
NY1
2008
Row 7 |
Merits: Tree: very hardy (nearly ironclad); heavy cropper of good-sized fruit; fruit hangs well; resistant to scab. Fruit: one of better keepers among earlier ripening apples; prized for its spicy flavor.
Faults: Tree: short-lived.
Merit or fault?: Tree: naturally small. Fruit: asymmetrical shape makes it not-so beautiful to some.
Ratings: Bull91: not included [97: not included; 99: 6-8/NR]; Downing: good; AHS: approaching best; Ragan: vg; Waugh: good |
Sops of Wine
UK
before 1600
cf |
medium to large
roundish, slightly ribbed, asymmetric
subacid, hint of anise |
purplish red over crimson, some yellow, dotted; moderately thin & tender skinned
white tinged with pink; texture is soft; but only moderately juicy |
Second to third week of May
late Aug thru Sept
|
M7 (60%)
to z4
|
NY3
2007
Row 6 |
Merits: Tree: early bearer; heavy cropper of large fruit. Fruit: distinctive red stained white flesh.
Faults: Fruit: poor keeper; becomes mealy when overripe.
Merit or fault?: Tree: naturally large.
Ratings: AoNY: good; Bull1897: 5-6/*; NY1907: _ [Superseded by better varieties]; Bull91: 5-6/*; B-H: g-vg; Elliott: vg; Cole: neither excellent nor profitable; Hooper: 3; WE: good/*; Moore Orchards: mediocre at best; Ont: 2/5/2/0; Ragan: good; Waugh: fair; Wilkinson: good |
Variety
Origin &
Date
Image Sources |
Size,
Shape &
Flavor |
Color & Texture of Skin &
Flesh |
Bloom
&
Harvest |
Rootstook
&
Hardiness |
Source
Year
Location |
Merits & Faults
Ratings |
Autumn Crisp (NY 674)
(Golden Delicious X Monroe)
NY
1968?, named in 2009 |
medium to large
classic apple shape
sub-acid to tart |
red dominant over a greenish yellow; moderately tough skinned
white; texture is crisp,fine-grained & juicy |
Second week of May
mid Sep
|
M26 (40%)
to z5 |
NY1
2007
first fruit: 2010
Row 6 |
Merits: Tree: early bearer. Fruit: exceptionally non-browning flesh; holds shape well in baking; high levels of Vitamin C.
Faults: Fruit: litle flavor beyond tartness according to a couple taste tests.
Rating:
Special: Mott's valued it enough to negotiate with Cornell for exclusive rights to it, I think for the purpose of developing apple slices or chips as a new snack food. As the new name and increased availability in 2009 indicates, the deal was not completed. |
Fameuse (Snow)
(parentage unknown)
Canada
before 1730 |
small to medium
rounder than classic apple shape
sweet, with some sub-acid |
prominent red over yellow; moderately thin skinned
yellowis
non-browning white; tender, aromatic, juicy |
First or second week of May
first week of Oct |
Bud9 (30%)
to z3 |
NY1
2007 |
Merits: Tree: hardy and productive. Fruit: non-browning flesh.
Faults: Tree: biennial, upright growth. Fruit: susceptible to scab, tender; not a good keeper.
Merit or fault?: Fruit: musky aroma
Ratings: AoNY: vg for dessert; NY1914: vg/X; A21: vg; ; Bull91: 8-9/** [97 &99: no change]; B-H: vg; Can; dessert best, cooking fair, excellent for jellies, commercial value - first class; Elliot: vg; Hooper: 2; NE16; Lowther: vg; ME94: vg/**; Ont: 9/5/9/8; Ragan: vg; Waugh: vg; Wilkinson: vg-b/*. |
Gala
(Kidd's Orange Red x Golden Delicious)
NZ
1934. named in 1965
aa cf op |
medium
classic apple shape
mild, sweet |
yellow, with thin orange & red stripes; moderately thin skinned
yellowis
h-white; texture is moderately crisp, very fine-grained, & juicy |
early [est.]
first or second week of Sept
|
G11 (40%)
to z4
|
NY1
2009 |
Merits: Tree: resistant to mildew; crops heavily regularly; widely recommended for both home and coommercial orchards. Fruit: has become a new standard for sweet fresh eating apples; holds its shape when cooked.
Faults: Tree: susceptible to scab; requires much thinning for good sized fruit; brittle wood breaks under heavy loads. Fruit: turns mealy when over ripe; too bland when cooked; too bland for good cider.
Merit or fault?: Fruit: .
Ratings: A21: vg to best |
Red Gravenstein
Europe
before 1650,
red strain before 1880
aa op ng |
medium to large
flattish, ribbed, often lopsided
sub-acid to tart; complex flavors |
red stripes & splashes over orangy yellow; thin skinned
ivory; texture is crisp, very fine-grained & very juicy |
First or second week of May
early Sept thru late Sept or even later | M7 (60%)
to z4 or z5 |
NY1
2007
Row 6 |
Merits: Tree: early bearing; requires little pruning; widely recommended for both home and coommercial orchards. Fruit: prized for sprightly rich flavor; handles well; considered best early season cider apple
Faults: Tree: biennial; triploid (does not pollinate); may drop fruit prematurely; susceptible to scab & various diseases; subject to winter damage. Fruit: skin can become greasy; quickly browning.
Merit or fault?: Tree: productive or not very productive (reports vary); ripens over several weeks. Fruit: subject to sweet water core [provides special burst of flavor, but lead to decay at core].
Ratings: AoNY: vg-b; NY1907: **: NY1914: vg-b/*; BC: vg]; Bull91: 5-6/** [97: no change; 99: 8-9/**]; B-H: excellent; Can; dessert vg, cooking vg, commercial value - first class; Cole: one of the handsomest and best; Hooper: sometimes excellent; Lear: 9; ME94: vg/**; MICH: f; NE2; Ont: 9/9/10/10; UIll: vg-b; Ragan: vg; Unimpeachable; Waugh: vg; Wilkinson: vg |
Honeycrisp
(Keepsake, open pollinated, not Macoun X Honeygold, as once thought)
Minn.
1991
aa mn |
large
classic apple shape
sweet, with some sub-acid |
red & orange over yellow, dotted; moderately thick skinned
cream texture is very crisp & coarse
|
mid-May [est.]
second or third week of Sept |
Antonovka (100%)
to z3 |
ME
2004
Row 4 |
Merits: Tree: very hardy; annual; widely recommended for both home and coommercial orchards in northern climates. Fruit: exceptionally crisp; a new favorite for fresh eating.
Faults: Fruit: not tart enough or right texture for good cooking or baking.
Merit or fault?: Tree: naturally dwarfing; has reputation for being early bearer, but not true in our orchard.
Ratings: A21: vg
Special: Minnesota's State Apple. |
Jonagold
(Jonathan x Golden Delicious)
NY
1968
aa op |
large
classic apple shape
well-balanced sweet-tart content, but on the sweet side |
yellow with red stripes; red may or may not be prominent; tender skinned
yellowish-white; texture is coarse, moderately crisp, & very juicy. |
mid [est.]
late Sept into Oct
|
M7 (60%)
to z5
|
VA
2010
Row 3 |
Merits: Tree: heavy cropper of large fruit; somewhat resistant to scab; little pre-harvest drop; widely recommended for both home and coommercial orchards. Fruit: aromatic; slow-browning flesh makes it a good choice for salads; has become a new standard for fresh eating; prized for multiple purposes.
Faults: Tree: triploid (does not pollinate); susceptible to scab, powdery mildew, and several diseases; subject to winter injury. Fruit: soft texture in some climates.
Ratings: Browning; A21: vg to best
Special: finished first among "The World's Best Commercial Dessert Apples," in a poll of 19 apple experts in 1989. |
Variety
Origin &
Date
Image Sources |
Size,
Shape &
Flavor |
Color & Texture of Skin &
Flesh |
Bloom
&
Harvest |
Rootstook
&
Hardiness |
Source
Year
Location |
Merits & Faults
Ratings |
King of the Pippins
(King of Pippins, Golden Winter Pearmain)
UK
before 1800
op ng |
small to medium
somewhat more elongated than classic apple shape, sometimes lopsided
sweet sharp, vinous, almond-like or nutty; complex flavors |
red and orange stripes dominant over yellow; thick skinned
pale cream; texture is crisp, fine-grained, & moderately juicy.
|
Second week of May to first week of June
late Sept into Oct
|
G16 (30%)
to z5 |
NY1
2005
first fruit: 2006
Row 2 |
Merits: Tree: certain & abundant cropper; grows well in many different soils; Fruit: highly aromatic; rich flavor; prized for nutty character in cider blending.
Faults: Fruit: quickly browning flesh.
Merit or fault?: Tree: heavy cropper, but much thinning required for good sized fruit and to prevent biennial bearing; distinctive, sharp flavor does not appeal to everyone.
Ratings: BC: nr; Elliott: unworthy; Ragan: g ; UIll: g-vg; VT. |
Mother
(American Mother)
Mass
before 1850
ta
|
medium
classic apple shape
pleasant, spicy, well-balanced sweet-tart content; complex flavors |
yellow, with red stripes; thin skinned
cream; texture is very fine-grained, tender, & juicy |
mid-May [est.]
early Sep
|
M7 (60%)
to z4
|
NY1
2008
Row 7 |
Merits: Tree: late blooming protects it from frost damage. Fruit: prized as one of the best tasting fresh eating apples; non-browning flesh; aromatic.
Faults: Tree: slow grower; thinning required for good sized fruit and to prevent biennial bearing. Fruit: does not keep well.
Merit or fault?: Tree: naturally small. Fruit: almost melting flesh
Ratings: AoNY: vg-best; NY1907: * [Tree characters poor. Appearance and quality of the best]; BC: vg; B-H: best; Browning; Bull91: 8-9/** [97: no change; 99: 8-9/*]; Cole: has no superior, and few equals, delightful mingling of sub-acid & saccharine; Elliot: vg; Hooper: 2; Lowther: B; ME94: best/**; Ont: 8/7/6/6; Potter; Ragan: best ; Waugh: vg; Wilkinson: best |
Rambo
(Winter Rambo, Bread and Cheese)
Delaware or Pa.
before 1700 |
medium
flattish
rich, sprightly, well-balanced sweet-tart content; complex flavors |
pale greenish yellow mottled & streaked with red; thin but tough skinned
yellow; texture is very crisp, moderately fine-grained, & juicy |
mid-May [est.]
late Sep
|
M111 (80%)
to z5 [marginal for the Finger Lakes] |
NC
2009
Row 6 |
Merits: Tree: grows well in many different soils; bears fruits uniform in shape and size; very productive. Fruit: praised for its wonderful, peculiar, spicy aroma; prized for fresh eating and cooking; has special aroma; does not bruise easily.
Faults: Tree: biennial; slow grower; upright growth; of questionable hardiness in northern climate; brittle wood breaks under heavy loads; subject to winter injury. Fruits: not long keeping.
Merit or fault?: Fruit: red color is often dull or lacking.
Ratings: AoNY: good to vg, particularly desirable for dessert; NY1907: _ [Tender tree; productive to a fault; excellent quality.]; Bull1891: 5-6/* [97: no change; 99: 7-8/*]; BC: nr; B-H: vg; Can; dessert vg, cooking good, commercial value - third class; Cole: one of the finest; Elliott: has no superior; Hooper: 1; Lear: 10; Lowther: vg; Ont:5/1/2/5; Ragan: vg; UIll: very good; Unimpeachable; VT; Waugh: good; Wilkinson: vg.
Special: Favorite apple of Hoosier poet John Whitcomb Riley, who wrote an ode to the Rambo and mentioned it by name in four other poems. Falsely claimed to be favorite apple of Johnny Appleseed; John Chapman, for religious reasons, shunned all varieties such as the Rambo that were perpetuated through grafting. |
Wealthy
(Siberian crab open pollinated [possibly with Rambo])
Minn., from Me.
before 1860
mn vt
 |
medium
classic apple shape, slightly ribbed
sub-acid, mild |
red stripes over pale greenish yellow; tough, thin skinned
greenish white tinged with pink; texture is moderately crisp, moderately fine-grained, & moderately juicy |
Second week of May
mid Sep to early Oct
|
Bud118 (90%)
to z3
|
NY1
2007
Row 6 |
Merits: Tree: very hardy (nearly ironclad); early bearer; non-browning flesh. Fruit: does not bruise easily
Faults: Tree: biennial; thinning required for good sized fruits; may drop fruit prematurely; Fruit: skin can become greasy; susceptible to cedar-apple rust and fireblight.
Merit or fault?: Tree: heavy cropper only when tree is young; ripens over several weeks.
Ratings: AoNY: g-vg; NY1907: * [** in some other NY regions]; NY1914: g-vg/**; NY1916: l/sp; BC: good; B-H: vg; Bull91: 6/** [97: no change; 99: 6-7/**]; Can; dessert good, cooking good, commercial value - first class; Lowther: vg; ME94: vg/*; MICH: f/m; Ont: 8/6/9/9; Ragan: vg; Waugh: fair ; Wilkinson: vg/* |
Variety
Origin &
Date
Image Sources |
Size,
Shape &
Flavor |
Color & Texture of Skin &
Flesh |
Bloom
&
Harvest |
Rootstook
&
Hardiness |
Source
Year
Location |
Merits & Faults
Ratings |
Ashmead's Kernel
UK
before 1700
aa cf op ng |
small to medium
irregular, slightly ribbed
sharp, sprightly,complex flavors |
yellow russet; rough, thick skinned
creamy white; texture is coarse & juicy |
mid-May [est.]
mid/late Oct
|
Antonovka (100%)
to z3
|
NY2
2004
Row 3 |
Merits: Tree: early bearer; resistant to scab, powdery mildew. Fruit: very crisp; very juicy; highly aromatic; prized for tartness in cider blends.
Faults: Tree: thinning required to prevent biennial bearing. Fruit: quickly browning flesh
Merit or fault?: russet qualities.
Ratings: A21:vg-b; BC: nr; Grootendors: "in first rank for the fruit garden"; Potter; Ragan: good |
Briggs Auburn
Me.
before 1850
me |
large
flattish
sweet to sub-acid, mild |
yellow, blushed; tough skinned
creamy white; texture is moderately coarse & moderately juicy
|
Second week of May
early Oct
|
Antonovka (100%)
to z3 |
ME
2006
first fruit: 2010
Row 3 |
Merits: Tree: very hardy (nearly ironclad); annual; moderate to heavy cropper. Fruit: good keeper; does not bruise easily; regionally prized for fresh eating.
Faults: Fruit: not highly regarded for cooking or baking.
Rating: ME08: vg; Ragan: good |
Calville Blanc d'Hiver
(White WInter Calville)
France
before 1600
op |
med
more elongated than classic apple shape, prominently ribbed; often misshaped
rich, sweet, spicy, sprightly; complex flavors |
pale yellow tinged with green, with faint blush; speckled; smooth skinned
yellowish-white; texture is crisp, fine-grained, & tender |
late May [est.]
late Oct
|
M7 (60%)
to z3 |
NY1
2008
Row 7 |
Merits: Tree: late blooming protects it from frost damage. Fruit: non-browning flesh; very high in Vitamin C.
Faults: Tree: slow to bear, slower to bear good quality fruit; shy bearer; requires long season. Fruit: tender skin.
Merit or Fault: Fruit: odd shape; can look blemished when it is not; optimum flavor develops after storager.
Ratings: BC: good; Elliott: unworthy; Browning; Grootendors: "one of our all time favorites for dessert and for all culinary uses"; Ragan: p |
Golden Russet
(possibly English Russet seedling)
[of several apples called Golden Russet, the one that remains (at least most commonly) was formerly known as the Golden Russet of Western New York]
NY before 1750
cf ng |
medium to large
round
sweet, sprightly; complex flavors |
yellow russet; rough, tough, thick skinned
cream; texture is tender & juicy |
First or second week of May
late Oct | M7 (60%)
to z4
|
NY1
2004
first fruit: 2007
Rows 1 & 3 |
Merits: Tree: annual, naturally spreading; heavy cropper; some resistance to scab and cedar apple rust; bears fruit of uniform large size; fruits tolerate fall frosts and mild freezes. Fruit: does not bruise easily; prized as one of few varieties recommended for unblended cider; high in sugar and Vitamin C.
Faults: Tree: tip bearer; since blooms early but requires long season, can be challenged by frost in both spring & fall; fruit hard to pick. Fruit: not pretty; quickly browning flesh.
Merit or fault?: Tree: naturally large. Fruit: russet quality.
Ratings: AoNY: vg to best; NY1907: *; NY1914: vg/*; NY1916: 8; BC: vg; B-H: best; Bull91: 5-6/** or 8-9/*, depending on similarly named varieties [97 & 99: no change]; Browning; Can; dessert fair, cooking good, commercial value - first class; Hooper: 1; Lowther: vg; ME94: vg/*; MICH: f/m; Ont: 9/8/8/9; Waugh: fair; Wilkinson: g to best |
Grimes Golden
WV
before 1800
cf op ng |
medium (or smaller in NY)
classic apple shape, slightly ribbed
sweet; but complex, intense flavor |
yellow, some russet; tough, moderately rough skin
pale cream tinged with orange; texture is between soft & crisp, moderately coarse, & very juicy |
First or second week of May
mid/late Oct
| Antonovka (100%)
to z5 [marginal for the Finger Lakes, but sold by St. Lawrence a nursery specializing in hardy trees] |
NY2
2004
first fruit 2009
Row 2 |
Merits: Tree: annual; good pollinator; often heavy cropper; moderately resistant to fire blight & cedar-apple rust. Fruit: does not bruise easily; beautful rich golden color; aromatic
Faults: Tree: slow to mature; may drop fruit prematurely; fruit not uniform in size; quality variable due to soil and climate (reputation poorer in north), susceptible to scald; subject to collar rot. Fruit: very susceptable to bruise marks; doesn't keep long before going soft.
Ratings: AoNY: vg to best; NY1907: _ [* in Hudson Valley region]; NY1914: vg-B/*; A21: vg to best; BC: vg; B-H: best; Bull91: 7-9/** [97: 7-9/*; 99: 9-10/**]; Can: dessert best, cooking poor, commercial value - second class; Lowther: vg; ME94: vg/*; MICH: f/m; Ont: 9/2/6/7; Ragan: vg-b; UIll: one of the best; Waugh: best; Wilkinson: vg to best/*
Special: called "perfect apple when considered from the consumers; standpoint" in "Varieties of Apples in Ohio," 1915. |
Newtown Pippin (Albemarle Pippin, Yellow Newtown)
NY
before 1760
aa cf |
medium to large
irregular
subacid to tart, sprightly |
greenish yellow, dotted, often russeted; tough skin
cream to greenish white; texture is crisp, moderately fine-grained |
early May [est.]
late Oct
|
Bud9 (30%)
to z5
|
NY1
2007
Row 6 |
Merits: Tree: tends toward biennial; fruits hang on trees for long time. Fruit: does not bruise easily; prized for its clear juice in cider making.
Faults: Tree: slow to mature; weak grower; quality variable depending on soil; susceptible to scab, mildew. Fruit: not pretty, but today's standards; very quickly browning flesh.
Merit or Fault?: Tree: bears fruits of variable size and color; early bearer or slow to mature (reports very). Fruit: optimum flavor develops after storage.
Ratings: AoNY: best; NY1907: _ [** in Hudson Valley]; NY1914: b/*; A21: best ; BC: vg; B-H: best; Bull91: 10/* [97: no change; 99:8-9/*]; Browning; Can: dessert first class, cooking first class, commercial value - first class; Grootendors: "fully merits [Beach's best] rating"; Hooper: 1; Lowther: vg for Green, B for Yellow; Ont: 9/9/7/10; Ragan: Green=b, Yellow=vg-b; Waugh: best; Wilkinson: vg to best/* |
Variety
Origin &
Date
Image Sources |
Size,
Shape &
Flavor |
Color & Texture of Skin &
Flesh |
Bloom
&
Harvest |
Rootstook
&
Hardiness |
Source
Year
Location |
Merits & Faults
Ratings |
Pitmaston Pine Apple
(English Golden Pippin seedling)
UK
before 1785
ta |
small
elongated, tapered
sweet, sprightly |
golden, russeted; rough, thick skinned
yellow; texture is crisp & fine-grained |
Second to fourth week of May
mid Oct
| G16 (30%)
to z5 (but sources differ widely) |
NY1
2006
Row 5 |
Merits: Fruit: very juicy; highly aromatic; prized for rich, sweet flavoring in cider.
Faults: Tree: shy to moderate cropper. Fruit: goes mealy quickly
Merit or fault?: Tree: naturally small tree; Fruit: russet qualities; small; subject to sweet water core [provides special burst of flavor, but lead to decay at core].
Ratings: BC: nr; Ragan: [described but not rated] |
Rhode Island Greening
RI
before 1650
aa ta ng |
large
somewhat flattish
tart, sprightly |
grass green with late developing yellow tinge & occasional bright cheek, dotted, slight bloom; moderately thick skinned
greenish-yellow; texture is crisp, tender, & juicy |
Third week of May
mid Oct
|
M7 (60%)
to z4
|
NY1
2005
Row 5 |
Merits: Tree: reliably heavy cropper; bears fruits uniform in shape and large size; long lived; once second leading apple variety grown in New York State. Fruit: very juicy; aromatic; keeps well even in less than ideal conditions (except for some scalding).
Faults: Tree: triploid (does not pollinate), slow to mature; biennial; may drop fruit prematurely; susceptible to scab, mildew, cankers. Fruit: bruises easily.
Merit or Fault?: Tree: naturally spreading and droopy, but crooked growth. Fruit: waxy skin.
Ratings: AoNY: vg; NY1907: **; NY1914: vg/**; NY1916: 2; A21: vg ; B-H: vg; Bull91: 7/** [97: no change; 99: 7-8/**]; Can: dessert fair, cooking best, commercial value - best; Hooper: 1 (but variable with location); Lowther: vg; ME94: vg/**; MICH: f/m; NE1; Ont: 8/10/8/8; Waugh: good; Wilkinson: vg; Unimpeachable |
Roxbury Russet
Mass.
before 1650 [1st recorded North American cultivar]
cf ng
 |
med-large
irregular, slightly ribbed
sub-acid to tart |
green brown russet; rough, thick skinned
quickly browning cream; texture is moderately coarse & juicy |
Second week of May
mid Oct
|
M7 (60%)
to z4
|
NY1
2004
first fruit: 2007
Row 4 |
Merits: Tree: keeps well even in less than ideal storage; resistant to scab & cedar apple rust; once fifth leading apple variety grown in New York State. Fruit: prized for rich flavoring & high sugar content for cider.
Faults: Tree: biennial; often a shy bearer; quality variable due to soil and climate; fruit subject to cracking; may drop fruit prematurely. Fruit: quickly browning flesh; rough skin is not attractive.
Merit or fault?: Fruit: russet quality; coarse flesh; does not bruise easily, but tough skin.
Ratings: AoNY: good to vg; NY1907: **; NY1914: g-vg/**; NY1916: 4; BC: nr; A21: good to vg; B-H: g-vg; Bull91: 7-8/** [97: no change; 99: 6-7/**]; Browning; Can: dessert only fair, cooking good, commercial value - first class; Grootendors: "shows an austere perfection and refinement of flavor"; Lowther: vg; Hooper: 3 for table, 1 to 2 for cooking; ME94: vg/*; NE11; Ont: 6/8/8/9; Waugh: good; Wilkinson: g to vg |
Tolman Sweet
(Tallman Sweeting, Talman)
Mass.
before 1860
vt
|
medium
classic apple shape
decidedly sweet |
pale yellow, with distinct brown line from top to bottom; tough skinned
yellowish white; texture is between soft & crisp, texture is moderately dry; moderately fine-grained |
mid-May [est.]
mid Oct
|
G11 (40%)
to z3
|
NY1
2009
Row 6 |
Merits: Tree: Hardy [nearly ironclad]; early bearer; reliable cropper. Fruit: prized among sweet apples for fresh eating; once among top ten leading apple varieties grown in New York State.
Faults: Fruit: quickly browning flesh; varies in keeping quality.
Merit or fault?: Tree: naturally small. Fruit: moderately dry flesh .
Ratings: AoNY: g to vg; NY1907: * [** in northern NY]; NY1914: g-vg/**; NY1916: l/sp; BC: good; Bull91: 6-7/** [97 & 99: no change]; B-H: vg for a sweet apple; Can: dessert good, cooking fair, commercial value - second class, except in special markets; Hooper: 1: Lowther: vg; ME94: vg/**-_; MICH: f/m; NE9; Ont: 2/7/5/6; Ragan: g; Waugh: fair; Wilkinson: vg. |
Yellow Bellflower
(Yellow Belle Fleur)
NJ
before 1800
bc ta |
medium to v. large
distinctively elongated,
ribbed
briskly tart, then sub-acid |
pale yellow with brownish blush; thin, tender skinned
yellowish white; texture is crisp, fine-grained, & juicy |
early May [est.]
early Oct
|
Antonovka (100%)
to z5 |
NY2
2009
Row 7 |
Merits: Fruit: valued for multiple purposes; prized for the zing it can bring to cider blends.
Faults: Tree: slow grower; shy cropper; bears fruits variable in size; may drop fruit prematurely; susceptible to scab; quality variable due to soil. Fruit: bruises easily; quickly browning flesh.
Merit or fault?: Fruit: tart when first picked [ideal for baking], but mellows and sweetens in storage..
Ratings: AoNY: vg to best; NY1907: *; NY1914: g/*; BC: good; B-H: vg or best; Bull91: 7-8/** [97: no change; 99: 8-9/*]; Can: dessert good, cooking good, commercial value - home market first class; Hooper: 1; Lear: 10; Lowther: vg; ME94: vg/**; Ont:8/7/5/5; Ragan: vg; Unimpeachable; Waugh: vg |
Variety
Origin &
Date
Image Sources |
Size,
Shape &
Flavor |
Color & Texture of Skin &
Flesh |
Bloom
&
Harvest
|
Rootstook
&
Hardiness |
Source
Year
Location |
Merits & Faults
Ratings |
Baldwin (Woodpecker)
Mass.
before 1740
aa ta |
large
classic apple shape
pleasant, well-balanced sweet-tart content |
multiple shades of red stripes & mottling, dominant over yellow; tough skinned
white tinged with green; texture is moderately coarse & very juicy; |
mid-May [est.]
mid to late Oct
|
Antonovka (100%)
to z5 (marginal in z4) |
ME
2004
Row 1 |
Merits: Tree: heavy cropper; long lived; grows well on a variety of soils; bears fruit of uniform large size; once leading apple variety grown in New York & other northern states. Fruit: keeps well; does not bruise easily; attractive in shape & color; prized for quality for multiple purposes; revered for excellence as cider base.
Faults: Tree: more strictly biennial than most other varieties; triploid (does not pollinate); below average for Northern tree in hardiness; subject to winter damage; thinning advised to avoid limb breakage; susceptible to scab.
Merit or fault?: Tree: naturally large; occasionally a moderate cropper on off years.
Ratings: AoNY: good to very good; NY1907: **; NY1914: g-vg/**; NY1916: 1; BC: good; Bull1897: 5-6/* [99: **]; B-H: vg; Can: dessert fair, cooking good, commercial value - first class; Hooper: 1 (where it succeeds); Lear: 9; Lowther: vg; ME94: vg/**; MICH: f/m; NE3; Ont: 2/5/7/8; Ragan: vg; Unimpeachable; Waugh: fair; Wilkinson: vg
Special: America's first dominant commercial variety (for more than 75 years). |
Black Oxford
Me.
before 1790
me |
small to medium
classic apple shape
mild, sub-acid to tart |
deep purple, blue bloom, dotted; tough skinned
greenish white; texture is crisp, very firm, and moderately dry |
Second to third week of May
late Oct
|
Antonovka (100%)
to z3
|
ME
2004
first fruit: 2010
Row 3 |
Merits: Tree: annual; disease resistant; late blooming protects it from frost damage; fruits tolerate fall frosts and mild freezes. Fruit: handsome dark color.
Faults: its hard flesh earned it the nickname “the rock.”
Merit or fault?: moderately dry flesh
Ratings: BC: nr; B-H: good; ME94: .../_; ME08: good; Ragan: g |
Blue Pearmain
New England
early 1800s
aa ng |
large
flattish, but variable & irregular; some ribbing
sweet, with some sub-acid, mild, pleasant |
deep red yellow, blue bloom, dotted; tough skinned
creamy yellow; texture is coarse, moderately juicy, & moderately soft. |
Second to fourth week of May
mid Oct
|
Antonovka (100%)
to z3 |
St Lawrence
2004
first fruit: 2010
Row 3 |
Merits: Tree: very hardy; long lived. Fruit: handsome coloring; does not bruise easily; aromatic.
Faults: Tree: slow to bear. Fruit: not crisp.
Merit or fault: mixed reports on bearing, shy or productive.
Ratings: AoNY: good; BC: good; B-H: vg; Elliott: vg; Bull1897: 6/**; NY1907: _ [* in northern NY region]; Can: good, commercial value - not profitable because of its unproductiveness; Lowther: G; ME94: g/*; Ont: 6/6/8/8; Ragan: vg; Waugh: fair; Wilkinson: vg
Special: featured in Thoreau's essay "Wild apples" |
Connell Red
(Red Fireside)
(thought to be red sport of Fireside (McIntosh x Longfield)), but may be open pollenated Fireside, discovered in
Wisc. in 1956
mn |
very large to huge
classic apple shape
flavorful, well-balanced sweet-tart content |
red, with waxy bloom; moderately thick skinned.
white; texture is crisp & fine-grained.
|
mid-May [est.]
mid Oct
|
Antonovka (100%)
to z4
|
NY2
2009 | Merits: Tree: heavy cropper; fruits tolerate fall frosts and mild freezes; resistant to scab, cedar apple rust and fireblight; widely recommended for both home and coommercial orchards. Fruit: very aromatic; prized for fresh eating & cider.
Faults: Tree: triploid (does not pollinate); produces fruits of non-uniform size. Fruit: subject to cracking; quickly browning flesh: skin can become greasy.
Merit or fault: Tree: usually, but unreliably annual.
Rating: top pick at taste test held at Cooperative Extension in Ithaca, 2007. |
Esopus Spitzenberg
NY
before 1790
cf op ta ng |
med-large
classic apple shape, but blocky & slightly ribbed
sprightly; well-balanced sweet-tart content; complex flavors |
dark red stripes over red, dominant over some yellow, dotted, slight bloom; tough skinned.
deep cream; texture is crisp, fine-grained, & juicy
|
Second to third week of May
mid Oct
|
M9 (30%) & G16 (30%)
to z4 or z5
|
NY1
2006
& 2007
Rows 4 & 5 |
Merits: Tree: bears fruit of uniform size; once among top ten leading apple varieties grown in New York State. Fruit: unexcelled in rich, spicy, exceedingly high flavor; attractive in shape & color; does not bruise easily; non-browning flesh
Faults: Tree: slow to bear;
biennial; shy to moderate bearer; acks vigor; susceptible to canker, scab & fire blight; quality variable due to soil and climate -- requires rich, fertile soil.
Merit or fault?: Fruit: ripens over several weeks; subject to sweet water core [provides special burst of flavor, but lead to decay at core].
Ratings: AoNY: vg to best; NY1907: * [** in some other regions]; NY1914: vg-b/**; BC: vg; Bull1897: 10/* [99: **]; B-H: best; Can: first class for all purposes; Grootendors: "one of the best to eat out of hand" ; Lowther: B; A21: vg to best; Browning; Hooper: 1 to 2; ME94: best/*; NE24; Ont: 9/7/9?10; Ragan: b; Unimpeachable; Waugh: best; Wilkinson: vg to best
Special: planted by T. Jefferson, Washington Irving & G. Washington |
Haralson
(Malinda x Wealthy)
Minn
1913
mn |
medium
somewhat more elongated than classic apple shape
tart, then sub-acid |
red & red stripes over yellow, dotted; moderately thick skinned
white; texture is crisp & firm
|
First to third week of May
early Oct
|
M7 (60%)
to z3
|
NY1
2002
first fruit: 2006
Creekside |
Merits: Tree: early bearer, heavy cropper of good sized fruit; moderately resistant to fireblight. Fruit: very good for multiple purposes; prized as a good cider base.
Faults: Tree: susceptible to cedar-apple rust &scab. Fruit: subject to cracking & russeting under humid conditions.
Merit or fault: Tree: heavy cropper, but thinning required for good sized fruit and to prevent biennial bearing. Fruit: does not bruise easily, but tough skin; tart when first picked [ideal for baking], but mellows and sweetens in storage; subject to sweet water core [provides special burst of flavor, but lead to decay at core].
|
Variety
Origin &
Date
Image Sources |
Size,
Shape &
Flavor |
Color & Texture of Skin &
Flesh |
Bloom
&
Harvest |
Rootstook
&
Hardiness |
Source
Year
Location |
Merits & Faults
Ratings |
Holstein
(Holsteiner Cox)
(Cox's Orange x unknown)
Germany
1918
op |
large
wider than classic apple shape
sweet, sprightly, spicy; complex flavors |
bright red over orange with some yellowtough, but moderately thin skinned
deep yellow with tinge of orange texture is moderately coarse & juicy |
mid or late May [est.]
early Oct
|
G30 (50%)
to z4
|
NY1
2008
Row 7 |
Merits: Tree: resistant to scab. Fruit: non-browning flesh; prized for fresh eating and cider; shares many qualities of Cox's Orange, but is larger size.
Faults: Tree: biennial; susceptible to scab and canker. Fruit: subject to cracking.
Ratings: Grootendors: "unblemished fruit of equally exquisite flavor"
Special: in a Danish five-year study published in 2003 that tested organically grown, unsprayed trees, the Holsteiner Cox was the only variety of 14 that combined high yield, good fruit size and good eating quality with an acceptably low susceptibility to disease. |
Hubbardston Nonesuch
Mass.
before
1830
aa ta
 |
large
somewhat flattish
sweet with some sub-acid, sprightly |
dull brownish or bright red over yellow, dotted, some russet; rough, thick skinned.
pale cream; texture is moderately soft & juicy |
First to second week of May
early/mid Oct
|
G16 (30%)
to z5
|
NY1
2004
first fruit: 2007
Row 4 |
Merits: Tree: early bearer; heavy cropper; annual; once among top ten leading apple varieties grown in New York State. Fruit: prized for fresh eating & cider; natural gloss gives handsome appearance; slow-browning flesh makes it a good choice for salads; very juicy.
Faults: Tree: bears fruit of various sizes and coloring; thinning required for good sized fruit & to prevent biennial bearing; susceptible to winter injury; subject to collar rot; may drop fruit prematurely. Fruit: "hammered" skin can become greasy; not prized for pies & other baking; loses flavor in storage.
Ratings: AoNY: very good to best; NY1907: **; NY1914: vg-b/**; NY1916: 7; BC: nr; B-H: vg; Bull1897: 8-9/**; Can: very good, commercial value - first class; Cole: excellent; NE14; Lowther: vg; ME94: vg/**; MICH: f/m; Ont: 7/8/8/8; Ragan: vg; UIll: very good; Waugh: vg; Wilkinson: vg |
Keepsake
(MN 447 [Malinda open pollinated] X Northern Spy)
Minn. 1936, released 1979
mn |
small to medium
irregularly shaped
subacid to tart, sprightly |
red stripes over yellow; slight bloom; thick skinned.
creamy yellow; texture is crisp & coarse. |
Second to third week of May
mid Oct |
Bud9
(30%)
to z3
|
NY1
2005
first fruit: 2007
Row 5 |
Merits: Tree: annual somewhat resistant to fire blight, scab & cedar apple rust; fruits tolerate fall frosts and mild freezes. Fruit: non-browning flesh.
Faults: Fruit: not pretty.
Ratings: A21: good to vg |
Kidd's Orange Red
(Cox's Orange Pippin x Red Delicious)
NZ
1924
op
 |
medium to large
somewhat elongated, slightly ribbed
well-balanced sweet-tart content, sprightly |
yellow crimson, dotted, occasionally russeting; thick skinned
deep cream; texture is fine-grained & firm. |
Second to third week of May
mid Oct
|
Bud9
(30%)
to z5 or higher [marginal for the Finger Lakes]
|
NY1
2006
Row 5 |
Merits: Tree: annual (if thinned); some resistance to fireblight & scab. Fruit: very juicy; non-browning flesh
Faults: Tree: susceptible to scab & canker; requires thinning for large sized fruit; best suited in climate warmer than the Finger Lakes. Fruit: dull colored; has tendency to russet
Merit or fault: slow to bear or precocious (depending on source)
Ratings: A21: vg |
King David
Ark.
before 1890
ta
|
medium
round
very rich, sprightly, spicy; complex flavors |
dark red very dominant over hint of green; tough, thin skinned
yellow; texture is crisp, firm, & very juicy. |
late May [est.]
late Oct
|
M111 (80%)
to z5
|
NC
2009
Row 6 |
Merits: Tree: bears early; late blooming protects it from frost damage; bears fruits uniform in size & shape; fruits hang on trees for long time; fruits tolerate fall frosts and mild freezes. Fruit: natural gloss gives handsome appearance; does not bruise easily; aromatic.
Faults: Tree: requires long season.
Merit or fault?: Tree: naturally large. Fruit: coarse flesh; subject to sweet water core [provides special burst of flavor, but lead to decay at core].
Ratings: NY Bulletin 385 [suppl to AoNY]: good to vg; NY1914: g/+; Browning; Lowther: B. |
King of Tompkins County
(King, Tompkins King)
NY
before 1800
bc op |
large to very large
classic apple shape, slightly ribbed
well-balanced sweet-tart content, but sweeter than tart |
yellow orange red, with bloom; smooth, moderately thick skin.
yellow; texture is crisp, moderately coarse, & juicy. |
Second to third week of May
early/mid Oct
|
Bud9
(30%)
to z4 |
NY1
2005
Row 2 |
Merits: Tree: annual; naturally spreading; once fourth leading apple variety grown in New York State. Fruit:
Faults: Tree: triploid (does not pollinate; although has some self-fertility) slow to bear; may drop fruit prematurely; susceptible to mildew & scab; subject to collar rot. Fruit: waxy skin becomes greasy in storage.
Merit or fault?: Tree: moderately productive [does that mean average or below average?]; Fruit: subject to sweet water core. [provides special burst of flavor, but lead to decay at core]
Ratings: AoNY: very good to best; NY1907: **; NY1914: vg-b/**; NY1916: 4; B-H: vg-best; Bull1897: 8-9/**; Can; dessert vg, cooking vg, commercial value - first class; Grootendors: "brings back childhood memories of the way a real apple ought to taste"; Lear: 8; Lowther: vg; ME94: vg/*; MICH: f; Ont: 8/10/10/10; Ragan: vg-b; Waugh: vg; Wilkinson: vg |
Variety
Origin &
Date
Image Sources |
Size,
Shape &
Flavor |
Color & Texture of Skin &
Flesh |
Bloom
&
Harvest
|
Rootstook
&
Hardiness |
Source
Year
Location |
Merits & Faults
Ratings |
Liberty
(Macoun X PRI 54-12)
NY
1962
cf
|
small to medium
classic apple shape, but
variable
mild, sweet with some subacid |
red very dominant over yellow, slight bloom; thin skinned
white; texture is crisp, fine-grained, & moderately juicy.
|
First to second of May
early Oct
|
Antonovka (100%)
to z4
|
ME
2004
first fruit: 2007
Row 4 |
Merits: Tree: annual; heavy cropper; very resistant to disease. Fruit: very crisp; good for multiple purposes; considered by many to be highest quality of the varieties bred for disease resistance.
Faults: Tree: may drop fruit prematurely; somewhat susceptible to powdery mildew. Fruit: has milder flavor than its non-disease-resistant parents; goes mealy & mushy quickly when overripe.
Merit or fault?: Fruit: slightly coarse flesh; optimum flavor develops after storage.
Ratings: A21: vg |
Magog Redstreak
Vermont
before 1870
|
large
flattish, faintly ribbed
sub-acid |
red splashed over light yellow, some russet; tough, thin skinned
cream; juicy; texture is moderately fine-grained & very juicy
|
Second to third week of May
early Oct |
M111 (80%)
to z3
|
NY1
2008
Row 7 |
Merits: Tree: very hardy (ironclad).
Faults: Tree: tends toward biennial.
Merit or fault?: Fruit: peculiar flavor liked by some, disliked by others; quality may be good only compared to other hardy trees.
Ratings: AoNY: good; BC: medium; B-H: fair to good; Bull99: 7-8/X; NY1907: _; Can: good, commercial value - third class; Hedrick (in 1922): has been on probation for nearly a half a century, but of unquestionable excellence as a culinary apple; Lowther: G; ME94: .../...; Ont: 3/7/5/7; Ragan: [described but not rated]; Waugh: good; Wilkinson: good; |
Northern Spy
(thought to be Wagener open pollinated)
NY
before 1800
aa ta ng
 |
large
classic apple shape, slightly ribbed
well-balanced sweet-tart content, but tarter than sweet, sprightly |
multiple shades of red over a pale yellow, bloom; thin skinned
pale cream; texture is crisp & fine grained. |
Second week of May to first week of June
mid/late Oct |
M9 (30%)
to z4
|
NY1
2004
first fruit: 2009
Row 4 |
Merits: Tree: very hardy (nearly ironclad); late blooming protects it from frost damage; reliable bearer; long lived; once third leading apple variety grown in New York State. Fruit: aromatic; classic apple flavor; natural gloss gives handsome appearance; prized for multiple purposes, especially pies.
Faults: Tree: slow to mature; susceptible to scab, bitter pit; quality variable due to soil; irregular bearer. Fruit: subject to cracking; susceptable to bruise marks.
Merit or fault?: Fruit: bruises easily, but stores well if careful packed.
Ratings: AoNY: vg to best; NY1907: **; NY1914: vg-b/**; NY1916: 3; A21: vg to best; BC: vg; B-H: vg-b; Bull1897: 8-9/**; Can: dessert best, cooking best, commercial value - home market first class, skin a little tender for distance shipment; Hooper: 2; Lear: 10; Lowther: B; ME94: best/**; MICH: f/m; Ont: 8/10/10/10; Ragan: vg-b; Unimpeachable; Waugh: vg; Wilkinson: vg to best |
Redfield
(Wolf River x Niedzwetzskayana Red Crab)
NY
1938
ng
|
medium to large
round
tart, sharp, with some bitterness |
waxy-pink to red
white & red; texture is moderately dry |
Second week of May
mid Oct
|
B9 (30%)
to z3
|
NY1
2009
Row 1 |
Merits: Tree: very hardy (ironclad); bronze leaves and red blossoms qualify it as an ornamental; high resistance to disease and pests. Fruit: red juice, excellent for colorful cider blending; makes good tasting, eye catching pies.
Faults: Tree: not highly productive, doesn't keep long. Fruit: poor eating quality; quickly browning flesh
Merit or fault?: moderately dry flesh |
Smokehouse
(Vandevere seedling?)
Pa.
1837
cf ng |
large
somewhat flattish
mild, sweet, with only slight tartness |
dull red, yellow, dotted; tough, but thin skinned
yellow; texture is crisp, fine-grained, & juicy |
First week of May
mid Oct
|
MM111 (80%)
to z3
|
NY1
2005
Row 5 |
Merits: Tree: annual; early bearer; holds fruit well; some resistance to fireblight. Fruit: does not bruise easily; prized as a multi-purpose apple; prized a cider base.
Faults: Tree: susceptible to apple scab. Fruit: flavor described as too mild or lacking high character in some taste tests; can go mealy.
Merit or fault?: Tree: naturally spreading, but crooked growth and dense head provide extra pruning challenge; heavy cropper, but thinning required for large sized fruit.
Ratings: AoNY: good; NY1907: _; BC: good; B-H: good; Bull1897: 5-6/** [99: 6-7/*]; Hooper: 2 to 1; Lowther: good; One: 3/6/4/6; Ragan: g; Waugh: fair |
Starkey
(Moses Starkey)
(RIbston Pippin seedling)
Me.
before 1820
me |
medium
round
subacid, sprightly |
red crimson, dotted; tough, but thin skinned
pale cream; texture is tender & juicy |
Second to third week of May
mid Oct
|
Antonovka (100%)
to z3 |
ME
2006
Row 3 |
Merits: Tree: early bearer. Fruit: highly regarded regionally for fresh eating.
Faults: Tree: biennial.
Ratings: AoNY: very good; NY1907: _ [+ in North]; Bull1897: 8/** [99: X]; B-H: described as pleasant, but not rated; Lowther: G; ME94: vg/*; ME08: very good; Ragan: listed, but quality not rated; Waugh: good. |
Variety
Origin &
Date
Image Sources |
Size,
Shape &
Flavor |
Color & Texture of Skin &
Flesh |
Bloom
&
Harvest |
Rootstook
&
Hardiness |
Source
Year
Location |
Merits & Faults
Ratings |
Stayman
(Stayman's Winesap)
(Winesap open pollinated)
Kansas
before 1875
aa cf ta |
medium to large
classic apple shape
tart, with some sweetness; wine-like |
red bloom or stripes over green, dotted; tough, moderately thick skinned
greenish yellow; texture is moderately fine, tender, & juicy |
Second to fourth week of May
late Oct
|
M7
(60%)
to z5 [marginal for the Finger Lakes]
|
NY1
2004
first fruit: 2010
Row 4 |
Merits: Tree: heavy cropper; resistance to scab, cedar apple rust and fireblight. Fruit: does not bruise easily; prized for larger size and sweeter flavor, but other good qualities of Winesap; prized for cider.
Faults: Tree: triploid (does not pollinate), unreliably annual; requires long season. Fruit: dull color; quickly browning flesh; subject to cracking.
Ratings: AoNY: good to vg; NY1907: _ [Not adapted to New York conditions]; A21: vg; B-H: best; Bull99: 8-9/X; Browning; Can: best; Ragan: vg-b; Waugh: vg; Wilkinson: vg |
Striped Harvey
Maine
before 1800
me |
medium
classic apple shape
sprightly tart |
yellow with red stripes
yellow |
Second to third week of May
late Oct
|
Antonovka (100%)
to z4
|
St Lawrence
2009
Row 5 |
Merits: Tree: very hardy (nearly ironclad). Fruit: rich, well blended flavor.
Faults: Tree: requires long season.
Ratings: Ragan: listed under Harvey Stripe, but not described nor rated. |
Wagener
NY
before 1790
ta |
medium to large
flattish, ribbed
sprightly, well-balanced sweet-tart content |
yellow crimson, bloom
pale cream tinged with yellow; texture is very crisp, very tender & juicy. |
First to second week of May
early/mid Oct
|
G16 (30%)
to z4
|
NY1
2007
Row 6 |
Merits: Tree: naturally dwarfing, early bearer, heavy cropper (when young); fruits hang on trees for long time; nearly scab proof; once among top ten leading apple varieties grown in New York State.
Faults: Tree: biennial; tip bearer; susceptible to mildew, apple scald; short-lived. Fruit: skin can become greasy.
Ratings: AoNY: vg-b; NY1907: *; NY1914: vg-b/*; BC: vg; B-H: vg-b; Bull1897: 8-9/* [99:7-8]; Can: dessert vg, cooking good, commercial value - home market first class, foreign market second class; Lowther: B; ME94: best/*; MICH: f/m; Ont:8/7/6/7; Ragan: vg-b; Unimpeachable; Waugh: good when well grown; Wilkinson: vg to best |
Westfield Seek No Further
(Westfield, Seek No Further, Seek)
Mass.
before 1800
ta |
medium
round, but irregular; slightly ribbed
sweet with some sharp, sprightly, nutty; complex flavors |
bright red stripes over deep yellow tinged with green, splashed with dull red, dotted, often covered with blue bloom; russeting possible
white tinged with yellow; texture is fine & tender. |
May 8 to May 19
late Sep to mid Oct
|
Antonovka (100%)
to z4 |
NY2
2004
Row 2 |
Merits: Tree: heavy cropper. Fruit: fresh; prized for sweet/sharp kick it provides in cider blending
Faults: Fruit: dull coloring; not recommended for cooking; doesn't keep well
Merit or fault: Fruit: has unique aroma; taste is too astringent for some
Ratings: AoNY: vg to best; NY1907: *; NY1916: l/sp; BC: nr; B-H: vg or best; Bull1897: 8-9/* [99: **]; Can: dessert vg, cooking fair, commercial value - first class when well grown; ME94: best/*; UIll: vg to best (one of 17 of "greatest promise for general usefulness"); Ont: 7/7/7/8; Ragan: vg-b; Waugh: vg; Wilkinson: vg to best |
Winesap
USA, possibly VA or NJ
before 1800
cf ng |
small to medium
classic apple shape
sprightly tart, wine-like, less sweet than Stayman; somewhat astringent |
two shades of deep red very dominant over yellow; tough, moderately thin skinned
greenish yellow; texture is crisp, fine, & very juicy. |
May 10 [est.]; Lowther: April 29-May 5
late Oct
|
M111 (80%)
to z5 [marginal for the Finger Lakes]
|
NC
2009
Row 6 |
Merits: Tree: early bearer; fruit hangs well; resistance to scab, cedar apple rust and fireblight. Fruit: aromatic; does not bruise easily; prized for its tart, wine-like flavor, especially in cider.
Faults: Tree: triploid (does not pollinate); extra thinning required to prevent overbearing. Fruit: quickly browning flesh; fruit subject to small cracking.
Merit or fault?: Tree: young trees are reliable & heavy cropper; but decline noticeable in reliability & fruit size as trees age; irregular, straggling growth.
Ratings: AoNY: good to vg; NY1907: _ [Both tree qualities and fruit poor in New York]; BC: nr; B-H: vg; Bull1897: 7-8/** [99: *]; Can: very good, commercial value - first class in certain districts, second class as grown in Canada; Hooper: 2 to 1; Lear: 9; Lowther: vg; ME94: vg/*; Ont: 7/0/1/3; Ragan: vg; UIll: very good; Waugh: good/high quality; Wilkinson: vg |
