Bristol
AppleBristol
Origin/History
An old variety, much grown in Connecticut many years since. Beach (1905) notes that the variety known in Western Connecticut and Eastern New York by the name Bristol appears to be identical with Red Canada.
Tree
Hardy, rather slender, drooping when in fruit.
Fruit
Size: Medium or below.
Form: Roundish, inclining to conic.
Skin: Dark rich crimson red.
Flesh: Very white, often stained under the skin; tender, juicy. Quality: good to very good. Described as a pleasant but not rich fruit.
Core: Rather large.
Season
January to March.
Uses
Not described in source.
Subtypes/Variants
Not described in source.
Other
Beach (1905) identifies Bristol as apparently identical with Red Canada, at least as the name is used in Western Connecticut and Eastern New York. Downing (1900) treats it as a distinct variety without reference to Red Canada. These two accounts are in tension; the identity question is unresolved in the sources.
Book Sources
Described in 2 period pomological works
USDA Nomenclature (1905)
From W.H. Ragan, Nomenclature of the Apple, USDA Bulletin No. 56
Mag. of H. says "sweet;" D. does not.
View original book sources (2)
— A.J. Downing, The Fruits and Fruit Trees of America (1900)Bristol.
An old variety, much grown in Connecticut many years since. A pleasant but not rich fruit. Tree hardy, rather slender, drooping when in fruit.
Fruit medium or below, roundish, inclining to conic, dark rich crimson red. Flesh very white, often stained under the skin, tender, juicy. Good to very good. Core rather large. January to March.
— S.A. Beach, The Apples of New York, Vol. 1 (1905)BRISTOL.
The variety known in Western Connecticut and in Eastern New York by this name appears to be identical with Red Canada.