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Key's Red

Apple

Key's Red

Origin and History

A variety originating with Martin Key of Clay Brook, Tennessee. Described by A.J. Downing as "an acquisition for the locality of its origin," indicating it was valued as a notable introduction to the region.

Tree

Hardy, strong, and vigorous grower with a spreading form. Bears good crops annually.

Fruit

Size and Form: Medium; roundish oblate, slightly conical, sometimes a little oblique.

Stem: Short and small.

Cavity: Medium size, rather deep, russeted.

Calyx: Open.

Basin: Rather large, deep, slightly plaited.

Skin: Pale greenish yellow, nearly covered with dark red; many rather large yellowish areola dots.

Flesh and Flavor: Whitish, a little coarse, juicy, subacid, slightly aromatic.

Core and Seeds: Small.

Season

Ripens from October to February.

Uses

Not described in source.

Subtypes and Variants

Not described in source.

Book Sources

Described in 1 period pomological work

View original book sources (1)

Key's Red.

A new variety which originated with the late Martin Key, of Clay Brook, Tenn., and is said to be an acquisition for the locality of its origin. Tree hardy, a strong, vigorous grower, spreading, and bears good crops annually.

Fruit medium, roundish oblate, slightly conical, sometimes a little oblique; skin pale greenish yellow, nearly covered with dark red, and many rather large yellowish areola dots; stalk short, small; cavity medium, rather deep, russeted; calyx open; basin rather large, deep, slightly plaited; flesh whitish, a little coarse, juicy, subacid, slightly aromatic; core small. Ripens from October to February.

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