Description
One of the largest cooking apples in cultivation, and one time holding the Guinness Book of Records (1997) for the weight of a single apple, this is a real beauty. Raised on the Isle of Wight in 1915 by G. Wratten at Howgate Lane, Bembridge, this is a cross between Newton Wonder and Blenheim Orange. A flattish apple, pale yellow-green with conspicuous red and orange striping, the flesh is firm, juicy and quite sweet when ripe and cooks well. This is a heavy and reliable cropper.
"Often found in orchards under restoration in the north, in the east and west, and in the Clyde Valley orchards in Lanarkshire, presumably planted in the inter-war period; it was raised on the Isle of Wight, by G. Wratten, 1915—16, and introduced in 1932. It enjoyed considerable popularity on account of its large size and handsome appearance, though valued mainly as an exhibition and home orchard apple, it was grown only a fairly small scale commercially. Some growers consider its flavour, 'sweet, pleasant, ... but very light' — insipid in comparison to the ubiquitous Bramley, but in the north its flavour has a brisker bite, perhaps because it grows more slowly there. It makes excellent juice, is a good baker, and in the north is used for all purposes to which the Bramley can be put." © Lin Hawthorne - 'The Northern Pomona'.
For help with choosing the correct rootstock for your needs, please click here A Guide to Rootstocks
For help with choosing the correct size and shape, please click here A Guide to Fruit Tree Shapes
