Graniwinkle

Origin/History

Graniwinkle originated in one of the eastern counties of New Jersey. It obtained its name from a farmer who first cultivated it. William Coxe described the variety in 1817, noting that it is usually mixed with the Harrison apple for making cider of a superior quality. Warder (1867), who recorded the name as "Granniwinkle," noted that this is supposed to be the famous cider apple of New Jersey described by Coxe, except that the form is different, though it has equally good qualities for making a rich cider; his specimens were obtained from W. C. Hampton.

Tree

Tree vigorous, upright, spreading, and productive (Downing). Not further described in other sources.

Fruit

Size and Form

Sources differ on size and form. Coxe describes the fruit as of moderate size and in form rather oblong. Downing describes it as medium, roundish, slightly conical. Warder describes it as small and oblate, regular — and specifically notes that the form is different from Coxe's description, though he considers it likely the same variety. These differing forms may reflect genuine variation between specimens or populations, or may bear on the question of whether the variety examined by Warder was truly identical to that described by Coxe.

Stem

Stem long, inclined (Warder).

Cavity

Cavity wide, regular, brown (Warder).

Calyx

Eye large, open (Warder).

Basin

Basin wide, regular (Warder).

Skin

Coxe describes the skin as a dark red, somewhat rough. Warder describes the surface as dull red, striped purple. Downing describes the fruit as yellowish, shaded with light red, and striped and splashed with a deeper shade.

Dots numerous, yellow (Warder).

Flesh and Flavor

Sources differ in detail. Coxe describes the flesh as a dead sweet, very rich, of a yellow colour. Warder describes the flesh as yellowish-white, firm, and tough, with a sweet flavor. Downing describes the flesh as white, fine-grained, juicy, moderately tender, rich, pleasant, honeyed sweet.

Downing rates the fruit Very Good.

Core and Seeds

Core small (Downing). Core medium, round, regular, closed, meeting the eye (Warder). Seeds numerous, angular, plump (Warder).

Season

Ripens in the month of November (Coxe). Warder gives the season as winter. Downing gives October to December.

Uses

Principally a cider apple. Coxe states that the cider produced from Graniwinkle resembles a sirup in its taste and consistence, and that it is usually mixed with the Harrison for making cider of a superior quality. Warder likewise gives the use as cider. Downing rates it as valuable for stock, cider, or for cooking.

Subtypes/Variants

Not described in source.

Other

Not described in source.