Congress
Apple
USDA Pomological Watercolor Collection
Congress
Origin / History
A Massachusetts variety, cultivated in the New England States for half a century or more (as of 1900). Also known historically as the Jackson Apple and the Tyler Apple.
Tree
Very vigorous, spreading, and an abundant bearer.
Fruit
Size and Form: Large to very large (Downing); large (Thomas). Roundish oblate, slightly conic.
Stem, Cavity, Calyx, Basin: Not described in source.
Skin: Yellowish ground, splashed, striped, and marbled with red (Downing); yellow and striped (Thomas).
Dots: Not described in source.
Flesh / Flavor: Flesh whitish, coarse, juicy, and tender. Flavor brisk subacid (Downing); acid (Thomas). Quality rated Good by both sources.
Core / Seeds: Core large. Seeds not described in source.
Season
November–December (Downing); November (Thomas).
Uses
Valued mainly for cooking or market.
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)Congress. Jackson Apple. Tyler Apple. A Massachusetts variety, cultivated in the New England States for half a century or more. Tree very vigorous, spreading, abundant bearer. Fruit valuable mainly for cooking or market. Fruit large to very large, roundish oblate, slightly conic, yellowish, splashed, striped, and marbled with red. Flesh whitish, coarse, juicy, tender, brisk subacid. Good. Core large. November, December.
— John J. Thomas, The American Fruit Culturist (1903)Congress. Large, yellow and striped; coarse, acid. Good. November. Mass.