Carter

Origin/History

Originated on the farm of Nathaniel Carter in Leominster, Massachusetts. Specimens were also recorded from Luke Lincoln of Leominster, Mass. Downing (1900) listed it under the alternate name Royal Pippin.

Tree

A vigorous grower and productive bearer (Downing). Not further described in sources.

Fruit

Size

Warder describes the fruit as medium. Downing describes it as above medium.

Form

Warder: round, flattened, slightly angular. Downing: roundish oblate. Both descriptions point toward a flattened, broadly rounded form.

Stem

Warder gives the stem as long. Downing describes the stalk as short. These accounts conflict directly.

Cavity

Deep, acute, and wavy (Warder). Downing corroborates the depth, describing the stalk as inserted in a deep cavity.

Calyx

Small and closed (Warder). Downing likewise records the calyx as closed.

Basin

Warder describes the basin as shallow and folded. Downing describes it as large. These accounts conflict.

Skin

Surface smooth (Warder). Ground color yellow; Warder describes it as mixed and splashed with scarlet; Downing describes it as slightly shaded, striped, and marbled with red. Dots rare and minute (Warder only).

Flesh and Flavor

Flesh yellowish white (Warder). On texture, Warder describes it as breaking; Downing as tender, rather coarse — both suggest a somewhat open-textured flesh. Juicy (both sources). Flavor sub-acid (both sources); Warder adds aromatic; Downing adds pleasant.

Core and Seeds

Core accounts conflict: Warder describes it as rather large, regular, closed, and clasping; Downing describes it as small. Seeds plump and imperfect, pointed (Warder only).

Season

Downing gives October to January. Warder gives December to January.

Uses

Table (Warder).

Subtypes/Variants

Not described in sources.

Other

Quality rated good by Warder; good to very good by Downing.