Pittsburg Pippin
ApplePittsburg Pippin
Origin/History
Supposed origin: Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. Valued in Pennsylvania. (Thomas notes regional importance.) The variety was known under several alternate names including Flat Pippin, Swiss Apple, William Tell, Father Apple, Switzer Apple, and William Tell.
Tree
An irregular, spreading grower (both sources agree on irregular habit; Thomas adds the spreading character). Moderate bearer (Elliott).
Fruit
Size and Form: Large, roundish-flattened to roundish-oblate (Elliott: "roundish flattened"; Thomas: "roundish-oblate" — consistent descriptions).
Stem: Short (Elliott); described as small (Thomas).
Cavity: Deep (Elliott), large (Thomas); slightly russeted (Elliott).
Calyx: Nearly closed; segments long (Elliott).
Basin: Broad-furrowed (Thomas).
Skin: Pale yellow, with brown dots (Elliott; Thomas notes pale yellow without mentioning dots).
Flesh/Flavor: Whitish (Elliott); tender (Thomas). Flavor sprightly sub-acid (Elliott) or mild sub-acid (Thomas) — the two sources differ slightly on intensity, Elliott characterizing it as sprightly, Thomas as mild.
Core/Seeds: Core medium (Elliott).
Season
December to January (Elliott). Early winter (Thomas).
Uses
Not described in source.
Subtypes/Variants
Not described in source.
Other
Not described in source.
Book Sources
Described in 2 period pomological works
View original book sources (2)
— F.R. Elliott, The Western Fruit Book (1865)Pittsburg Pippin.
Flat Pippin, | Swiss Apple, | William Tell. Father Apple, | Switzer Apple, |
Supposed origin, Pittsburgh, Pa. Tree, irregular grower, moderate bearer. Fruit, large, roundish flattened; pale yellow, with brown dots; stem, short; cavity, deep, slightly russeted; calyx, nearly closed, segments long; flesh, whitish, sprightly sub-acid; core, medium. December to January.
— John J. Thomas, The American Fruit Culturist (1903)Pittsburg Pippin. (Father Apple, William Tell.) Large, roundish-oblate; pale yellow; stalk small, cavity large; basin broad-furrowed; flesh tender, with a mild sub-acid flavor. Early winter. Valued in Pennsylvania. An irregular, spreading grower.