Cockpit

Origin/History

Origin in the north of England, according to Downing (1900). The citation "(Ron.)" in Downing suggests the entry derives from an earlier authority, likely Ronald's Pyrus Malus Borealis or a similar northern English pomological source.

Tree

Not described in source.

Fruit

Size

Medium.

Form

Roundish oblate, truncated (Downing).

Stem

Not described in source.

Cavity

Not described in source.

Calyx

Not described in source.

Basin

Not described in source.

Skin

Downing describes the color as yellow. Bunyard's catalog describes the skin as greenish-yellow with crimson markings and a light pink flush — these two accounts differ, with Bunyard adding the crimson and pink coloring absent from Downing's description.

Flesh/Flavor

Flesh tender and brisk; a pleasant apple for table or kitchen (Downing). Bunyard's catalog characterizes it as a good culinary sort, also listing it under dessert.

Core/Seeds

Not described in source.

Season

The two sources conflict on season: Downing gives November–December; Bunyard's 1914 catalog gives September–October.

Uses

Suitable for table and kitchen use (Downing). Bunyard lists it as both a dessert and culinary apple.

Subtypes/Variants

Not described in source.

Other

Not described in source.