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Crain's Spice

Apple

Crain's Spice

Origin/History

Originated with Dr. James H. Crain, Undulation, Illinois.

Tree

Vigorous, forming a round head. An early, annual, and abundant bearer.

Fruit

Size and Form: Below medium; oblate, slightly conic, slightly angular.

Skin: Entirely covered with deep rich red, with a few light dots.

Stem and Cavity: Stalk very short, small; cavity small or medium.

Calyx and Basin: Calyx small, closed; basin somewhat narrow, deep, slightly plaited.

Flesh and Flavor: Quite white, a little stained next the skin, fine, tender. Quite acid at first, but when fully ripe displays a peculiar subacid, quince-like flavor. Quality: good.

Core: Rather small.

Season

October through January.

Uses

Not described in source.

Subtypes/Variants

Not described in source.

Book Sources

Described in 1 period pomological work

View original book sources (1)

Crain's Spice.

Originated with Dr. James H. Crain, Undulation, Illinois. Tree vigorous, forming a round head; an early, annual, and abundant bearer.

Fruit below medium, oblate, slightly conic, slightly angular; skin entirely covered with deep rich red, and a few light dots; stalk very short, small; cavity small or medium; calyx small, closed; basin somewhat narrow, deep, slightly plaited; flesh quite white, a little stained next the skin, fine, tender, quite acid at first, but when fully ripe a peculiar subacid, quince-like flavor; good; core rather small. October, January.

A.J. Downing, The Fruits and Fruit Trees of America (1900)