MALTSTER

Origin / History

Origin unrecorded. The variety was known in 1830. E.A. Bunyard, in A Handbook of Hardy Fruits (1920), wrote: "I think this will probably be found to be of continental origin." In warm seasons the variety approached the Newtown Pippin in flavor and texture, but in most seasons it was only good enough for culinary purposes.

Tree

Growth moderate and rather spreading. Fertility good. Leaves oval, upfolded, with boldly curved serrate margins.

Fruit

Size: Large, 3 by 2½.

Form: Round flattened and angular, irregular.

Stem: Medium, set in a rather deep cavity.

Cavity: Rather deep.

Calyx: Eye closed, set in a deep ribbed basin.

Basin: Deep, ribbed.

Skin: Greenish yellow in ground color, with a slight flush and few scattered broken stripes.

Dots: Not described in source.

Flesh and flavor: Crisp to soft, yellowish, of "quite good flavour about November." In warm seasons the flavor and texture approach the Newtown Pippin, but usually it is only good enough for culinary purposes.

Core and seeds: Not described in source.

Season

Culinary or dessert, October to January. Flavor is at its best about November.

Uses

Culinary or dessert. In warm seasons the fruit approaches the Newtown Pippin for dessert use, but usually it is only good enough for culinary purposes.

Subtypes / Variants

Not described in source.

Other

Not described in source.