Hocking
AppleHocking
Origin and History
The Hocking has been found only in western orchards and does not appear to have been documented in prior fruit literature. It was reported at the second meeting of the Northwestern Fruit Growers' Convention as having been brought from Fairfield County, Ohio. Early observers noted its resemblance to the Townsend variety, though it was declared to differ in wood and bud characteristics. The question of whether these varieties are identical remained unsettled at the time of this description.
Tree
Thrifty and vigorous in growth, the tree is productive and bears fruit early.
Fruit
Size and Form: Medium to large; globular-oblate in form, regular and even in outline.
Surface: Smooth. Ground color yellow, covered with mixed red and splashed with carmine. Dots minute and yellow.
Basin: Medium in size, regular in form.
Eye: Medium to large, closed.
Cavity: Medium in size, regular in form. Interior surface green.
Stem: Medium to long in length.
Core: Small and closed.
Seeds: Large, brown.
Flesh: Light yellow in color, breaking in texture (crisp), and juicy.
Flavor: Sub-acid.
Quality: Good.
Season and Uses
September. Suitable for both market and kitchen use.
Book Sources
Described in 1 period pomological work
View original book sources (1)
— John A. Warder, American Pomology: Apples (1867)Hocking.
This variety has only been found in western orchards, and has not been mentioned by name in any fruit book with which I have met. At the second meeting of the Northwestern Fruit Growers' Convention, it was reported as having been brought from Fairfield County, Ohio; its resemblance to Townsend was also observed, but it was declared to be different in wood and buds. These apples may yet prove to be identical, but as the question is not settled, both will be described.
Tree thrifty, vigorous, productive—an early bearer. Fruit medium to large, globular-oblate, regular; Surface smooth, yellow, covered with mixed red, and splashed carmine; Dots minute, yellow. Basin medium, regular; Eye medium to large, closed. Cavity medium, regular, green; Stem medium to long. Core small, closed; Seeds large, brown; Flesh light yellow, breaking, juicy; Sub-acid; Quality good; Market and kitchen; September.