Derry Nonsuch

Apple

Derry Nonsuch

Origin/History

Origin unknown; from Keene, New Hampshire, where it is held in estimation. The variety is also known historically as Dinsmore and Londonderry. Described in both Downing (1900) and Thomas (1903).

Tree

Thrifty and productive. A late keeper.

Fruit

Size and Form: Above medium to rather large (Downing: "above medium"; Thomas: "rather large"). Oblong or conic in form; Thomas adds angular as a shape characteristic.

Stem: Short, set in a moderate cavity.

Cavity: Moderate.

Calyx: Large, closed.

Basin: Shallow and uneven.

Skin: Yellow ground, sprinkled, shaded, and splashed with crimson (Downing). Thomas describes the surface as striped, consistent with Downing's splashing pattern.

Flesh/Flavor: Flesh yellowish, juicy, tender, slightly aromatic, agreeably subacid. Quality rated Good. Thomas concurs: sub-acid, agreeable.

Core/Seeds: Not described in source.

Season

January to April (Downing). Thomas places it in the winter class, consistent with Downing's season.

Uses

Not described in source.

Subtypes/Variants

Not described in source.

Other

Not described in source.

Book Sources

Described in 2 period pomological works

View original book sources (2)

Derry Nonsuch.

Dinsmore. Londonderry.

Origin unknown, from Keene, N. H., and held in estimation there. Tree thrifty and productive, a late keeper.

Fruit above medium, oblong or conic, yellow, sprinkled, shaded, and splashed with crimson. Stalk short, in a moderate cavity. Calyx large, closed. Basin shallow, uneven. Flesh yellowish, juicy, tender, slightly aromatic, agreeably subacid. Good. January to April.

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

Derry Nonsuch. Rather large, oblong, conic, angular, striped; sub-acid, agreeable. Winter. N. H.

— John J. Thomas, The American Fruit Culturist (1903)

Dinsmore Londonderry Dinsmore