Monte Bello
Apple
Monte Bello
Origin and History
Originated with Matthew Gray of Riverside, Monte Bello Township, Illinois. A new variety at the time of Downing's writing (1900). A. C. Hammond, from whom specimens were received, described it as an apple of great promise.
Tree
Rather upright growth habit. Hardy and healthy. Moderately vigorous. An early bearer, very productive annually.
Fruit
Size and Form: Above medium size; oblate, regular.
Skin: Pale yellow ground color, shaded and mottled with light red, striped and splashed with dark rich red over the whole surface. A few large light dots.
Stem (Stalk): Very short, small.
Cavity: Large, broad, russeted.
Calyx: Small, nearly closed.
Basin: Large, deep, smooth.
Flesh and Flavor: Quite white, fine texture. Sometimes a little stained next the skin. Very tender, juicy. Mild subacid, vinous flavor. Quality rated very good.
Core and Seeds: Small or medium.
Season
September to November.
Uses
Not described in source.
Subtypes or Variants
Not described in source.
Book Sources
Described in 1 period pomological work
Nursery Catalog Sources
Found in 2 catalogs (1901–1913) from Illinois
- Benjamin Buckman (personal inventory) , Farmingdale , Illinois — 1901
- Benjamin Buckman (personal inventory) , Farmingdale , Illinois — 1913
View original book sources (1)
— A.J. Downing, The Fruits and Fruit Trees of America (1900)Monte Bello.
Originated with Matthew Gray, Riverside, Monte Bello Township, Ill. Tree rather upright, hardy, healthy, moderately vigorous, an early bearer, very productive annually, a new variety, and A. C. Hammond, from whom specimens were received, writes that he considers it an apple of great promise.
Fruit above medium, oblate, regular; skin pale yellow, shaded and mottled with light red, striped and splashed with dark rich red over the whole surface, and a few large light dots; stalk very short, small; cavity large, broad, russeted; calyx small, nearly closed; basin large, deep, smooth; flesh quite white, fine, sometimes a little stained next the skin, very tender, juicy, mild subacid, vinous; very good; core small or medium. September, November.