Hess

Apple

Hess

Origin/History

Originated in Lancaster County, Pennsylvania. Elliott (1865) identifies it as American in origin.

Tree

Not described in sources.

Fruit

Size: Medium (all three sources agree).

Form: Variable — sometimes roundish, often conical (Downing). Elliott and Thomas describe it as roundish conical, or roundish or conical.

Stem: Short and stout (Elliott); short, rather stout (Thomas).

Cavity: Narrow (Elliott); narrow and deep (Thomas).

Calyx: Not described in sources.

Basin: Deep and narrow (Elliott and Thomas agree).

Skin: Red, in stripes of different hues (Downing); shades of red (Elliott); striped with red (Thomas).

Flesh/Flavor: Greenish white, tender (all three sources agree). Elliott adds aromatic. Thomas describes the flavor as very good and aromatic. Quality rated "Good" by Downing; "Good to very good" by Elliott; "very good" by Thomas.

Season

December through February (Downing); December through March (Elliott); through winter (Thomas).

Uses

Not described in sources.

Subtypes/Variants

Not described in sources.

Book Sources

Described in 3 period pomological works

View original book sources (3)

Hess. Origin, Lancaster Co., Pa. Fruit medium, form variable, sometimes roundish, often conical, red, in stripes of different hues. Flesh greenish white, tender. Good. December, February.

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

Hess.

American. From Lancaster County, Pa. Fruit, medium, roundish conical; shades of red; stem, short, stout; cavity, narrow; basin, deep, narrow; flesh, greenish white, tender, aromatic. December to March. "Good to very good."

— F.R. Elliott, The Western Fruit Book (1865)

Hess. Medium, roundish or conical; striped with red; stalk short, rather stout; cavity narrow, deep; basin deep, narrow; flesh greenish white, tender, with a very good, aromatic flavor. Through winter. Pennsylvania.

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