Herefordshire Spice Apple
Apple
Herefordshire Spice Apple
Origin/History
Multiple varieties have been known by the name "Spice Apple" in pomological literature. The Herefordshire Spice Apple differs from all other varieties published under this name. Forsyth described a different Spice Apple variety—reportedly obtained from Mr. Jones of Fawley, Herefordshire—which he noted as yellow in colour, "a handsome middle-sized angular-shaped apple," ripening in January and keeping until March; this may have been a pale specimen or a distinct type.
The Herefordshire Spice Apple is grown abundantly in Herefordshire and is fully appreciated there.
Tree
Not described in source.
Fruit
Size and Form: Below medium size, conical or ovate, uneven in its outline, being ribbed on the sides somewhat in the manner of the Margil, with ridges around the eye.
Skin: Smooth and shining, as if varnished. Almost entirely covered with deep bright crimson, which is streaked and mottled with darker crimson on the side next the sun; where shaded, it is yellowish and only mottled with crimson.
Stem (Stalk): Very short, thick, and fleshy, set in a very shallow cavity.
Cavity: Very shallow.
Calyx/Eye: Small and closed, with erect pointed segments set in a deep and plaited basin. The tube is funnel-shaped, and the stamens are inserted in the middle of the tube. The styles form a concrete fleshy mass, which fills nearly the half of the tube.
Flesh and Flavor: Tender, crisp, fine-grained, sweet, and with a pleasant sub-acid flavour.
Core and Seeds: Cells of the core open and symmetrical.
Season
An excellent apple, in use during October and November.
Other
Source: Woolhope Naturalists Field Club, The Herefordshire Pomona (1885), Plate III, entry 8.
Book Sources
Described in 1 period pomological work
View original book sources (1)
— Woolhope Naturalists Field Club, The Herefordshire Pomona (1885)Plate III.
- HEREFORDSHIRE SPICE APPLE.
There are several varieties of apples known by the name of Spice Apple, and this differs from all of that name which have been described in pomological works. We have therefore for the sake of distinction called it the Herefordshire Spice Apple. Forsyth describes one which in a MS. list in our possession he says he had from Mr. Jones of Fawley, Herefordshire ; but he describes it as being of a yellow colour only. It is possible that it might have been a pale specimen for he says it is "a handsome middle-sized angular-shaped apple," ripe in January and keeps till March.
Description.—Fruit; below medium size, conical or ovate, uneven in its outline, being ribbed on the sides somewhat in the way of the Margil, and with ridges around the eye. Skin ; smooth and shining, as if varnished ; almost entirely covered with deep bright crimson, which is streaked and mottled with darker crimson, on the side next the sun ; but where it is shaded, it is yellowish and only mottled with crimson. Eye ; small and closed, with erect pointed segments set in a deep and plaited basin; the tube is funnel shaped, and the stamens are inserted in the middle of the tube ; the styles form a concrete fleshy mass, which fills nearly the half of the tube. Stalk; very short, thick, and fleshy, set in a very shallow cavity. Flesh ; tender, crisp, fine grained, sweet and with a pleasant sub-acid flavour. Cells of the core open and symmetrical.
An excellent apple, in use during October and November. It is grown abundantly in Herefordshire, and is fully appreciated.