Better than Good
AppleBetter than Good
Origin/History
Origin uncertain according to Downing (1900). Elliott (1865) gives the origin as Pennsylvania, noting it "may prove identical with some already described." Elliott also records an alternate name, Juicy Bite.
Tree
Slender in habit (both sources). Downing describes it as thrifty and very productive; Elliott adds that the tree is irregular. Bark, twigs, lenticels, buds, and leaves not described in source.
Fruit
Size and Form: Medium. The two sources conflict on form: Downing describes the fruit as oblate, while Elliott describes it as roundish and tapering to the eye.
Skin: Downing gives the color as pale yellow with a few brown dots. Elliott gives yellowish white, without mention of dots.
Stem: Short (Downing). Inserted in a broad cavity (Downing).
Cavity: Broad (Downing).
Calyx: Closed (Downing).
Basin: Large and open (Downing).
Flesh/Flavor: Flesh yellowish (Downing), very tender, juicy, with a mild, pleasant, subacid flavor. Both sources agree on tenderness, juiciness, and subacid character. Quality rated Good to very good by Downing; "very good" by Elliott.
Core/Seeds: Not described in source.
Season
November to January (Downing). Early Winter (Elliott).
Uses
Not described in source.
Subtypes/Variants
Not described in source.
Other
Not described in source.
Book Sources
Described in 2 period pomological works
View original book sources (2)
— A.J. Downing, The Fruits and Fruit Trees of America (1900)Better than Good.
Origin uncertain. Tree thrifty, but rather slender, very productive. Fruit medium, oblate, pale yellow, with a few brown dots. Stalk short, inserted in a broad cavity. Calyx closed. Basin large and open. Flesh yellowish, very tender, juicy, with a mild, pleasant, subacid flavor. Good to very good. November to January.
— F.R. Elliott, The Western Fruit Book (1865)Better than Good. Juicy Bite. From Pennsylvania. May prove identical with some already described. Tree, slender, irregular. Fruit, medium, roundish, tapering to the eye; yellowish white ; flesh, tender, juicy, sub-acid ; "very good." Early Winter.