Berkshire Spy
AppleBerkshire Spy
Origin/History
A new variety raised by Asahel Foote of Williamstown, Massachusetts, from seed of Northern Spy. Foote has raised several other promising apples, pears, and plums worthy of trial.
Tree
Moderate vigor with spreading growth habit. Wood of great solidity. A moderate annual bearer.
Fruit
Size and Form Medium, roundish conical, with sides sometimes unequal.
Skin Pale yellow, shaded on one side with light bright red; sometimes a few rather obscure stripes and splashes of a darker hue; a few light dots present.
Stem Short and small.
Cavity Medium size, greenish russet.
Calyx Open, with short and divided segments.
Basin Medium, slightly corrugated.
Flesh and Flavor Whitish yellow, fine, tender, juicy, sprightly subacid, slightly aromatic and rich.
Core and Seeds Core small.
Season
December, February.
Uses
Not described in source.
Subtypes/Variants
Not described in source.
Other
Not described in source.
Book Sources
Described in 1 period pomological work
View original book sources (1)
— A.J. Downing, The Fruits and Fruit Trees of America (1900)Berkshire Spy.
A new variety, raised by Asahel Foote, of Williamstown, Mass., from seed of Northern Spy; tree of moderate vigor, spreading, wood of great solidity; a moderate annual bearer. Mr. Foote has raised several promising apples, pears and plums which are worthy of trial.
Fruit medium, roundish conical, sides sometimes unequal; skin pale yellow, shaded on one side with light bright red, sometimes a few rather obscure stripes and splashes of a darker hue, and a few light dots; stalk short, small; cavity medium, greenish russet; calyx open with short and divided segments; basin medium, slightly corrugated; flesh whitish yellow, fine, tender, juicy, sprightly subacid, slightly aromatic and rich; core small. December, February.