Brownite
Apple
Brownite
Origin/History
Originating in the neighborhood of Wilmington, Delaware, where it was propagated under the name "Browns winter." Downing notes the origin as "supposed Delaware." The variety was documented by Coxe in 1817; Downing's entry is drawn from Coxe.
Tree
A regular grower with a handsome form and spreading branches.
Fruit
Size: Rather small (Coxe); below medium (Downing).
Form: Inclining to an oblong, a little pointed towards the crown (Coxe); roundish oblong, conical (Downing).
Stem: Long and slender.
Cavity: Not described in source.
Calyx: Not described in source.
Basin: Not described in source.
Skin: Not described in source.
Flesh/Flavor: Tender, delicate, and sprightly, resembling the Pearmain in flavour and crispness.
Core/Seeds: Not described in source.
Season
A fine table apple in the beginning of winter; mid-winter (Downing). Suitable for cooking from September through February, at which point it becomes mealy.
Uses
A fine table apple in early winter. Much esteemed for cooking from September through February.
Subtypes/Variants
Not described in source.
Other
Not described in source.
Book Sources
Described in 2 period pomological works
View original book sources (2)
— William Coxe, A View of the Cultivation of Fruit Trees (1817)NO. 58. BROWNITE.
A fine table apple in the beginning of winter, and much esteemed for cooking from September till February, when it becomes mealy: it is rather a small apple, the form inclining to an oblong, a little pointed towards the crown—the stalk long and slender, the flesh tender, delicate and sprightly, resembling the Pearmain in flavour and crispness. This fruit was brought from the neighbourhood of Wilmington in the state of Delaware, where it is propagated under the name also of Browns winter; the tree is of regular growth, with a handsome form, and spreading branches.
— A.J. Downing, The Fruits and Fruit Trees of America (1900)Brownite. Brown's Winter. Origin, supposed Delaware. Tree a regular grower, with spreading branches. Fruit below medium, roundish oblong, conical. Flesh tender, crisp, sprightly. Mid-winter. (Coxe.)