Downton Pippin
AppleDownton Pippin
Origin/History
A rather early variety of the English Golden Pippin, raised by Mr. Knight of Downton Castle. Described by Elliott (1865) as "Foreign," indicating its English provenance for an American audience.
Tree
Not described in source.
Fruit
Size: The two sources differ slightly. Downing gives the diameter as about two and a quarter inches and describes the fruit as "a little larger than the Golden Pippin." Elliott characterizes it simply as "Small."
Form: Roundish, flat at the ends (Downing); roundish (Elliott).
Stem: Not described in source.
Cavity: Not described in source.
Calyx: Not described in source.
Basin: Not described in source.
Skin: Smooth, yellow.
Flesh and Flavor: Flesh yellowish and crisp, with a brisk, rich tart flavor; rated Very Good (Downing). Elliott concurs on yellowish flesh and characterizes the flavor as sharp acid.
Core and Seeds: Not described in source.
Season
October and November.
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)
— A.J. Downing, The Fruits and Fruit Trees of America (1900)Downton Pippin. Elton Pippin. Downton Golden Pippin. Knight's Golden Pippin. St. Mary's Pippin. A rather early variety of the English Golden Pippin, raised by Mr. Knight, of Downton Castle. Fruit a little larger than the Golden Pippin, about two and a quarter inches in diameter, roundish, flat at the ends. Skin smooth, yellow. Flesh yellowish, crisp, with a brisk, rich tart flavor. Very good. October and November.
— F.R. Elliott, The Western Fruit Book (1865)Downton Pippin. Downton Golden Pippin, | Knight's Golden Pippin, | Elton Pippin. Foreign. Small, roundish, yellow ; flesh, yellowish, sharp acid. October, November.