Daniels

Daniels Apple

Origin and History

According to Warder (American Pomology, 1867), this is a dessert apple grown in Henry County, Indiana. Downing (Fruits and Fruit Trees of America, 1900) lists it as "Daniel's Apple," describing it as an old variety of unknown origin and, in his assessment, of no value.

[NOTE: The two sources conflict substantially on fruit shape, color, flesh color, flesh texture, and quality — see conflicts noted throughout below. It is possible Warder and Downing are describing different apples under similar names.]

Fruit

Size and Form: Both sources agree the fruit is medium-sized. The sources conflict on form: Warder describes it as round and flattened, regular in outline; Downing describes it as roundish conical.

Stem, Cavity, Basin, and Eye: Warder reports a shallow, regular basin and a medium, closed eye. No stem dimensions are given by either source.

Skin and Surface: Warder describes the surface as smooth, mixed scarlet on yellow, splashed carmine, with minute dots. Downing describes the color as greenish with dull crimson — a notably different appearance.

Flesh: The sources conflict here as well. Warder describes the flesh as yellow, very fine-grained, tender, and juicy. Downing describes it as white, coarse, tender, and juicy.

Flavor: Warder: sub-acid, aromatic, delicious, quality best — a fine dessert apple. Downing: subacid, with no positive flavor note, and the variety rated of no value.

Core and Seeds: Warder reports a wide, regular, open core with numerous plump seeds. Downing describes the core as large and hollow — broadly consistent with Warder's open core, though the characterization differs in emphasis.

Season

Warder gives the season as September. Downing gives October.

Uses

Warder rates it as a dessert apple of best quality. Downing regards it as of no value.