Red Cheek
AppleRed Cheek
Origin/History
According to Downing, at least three distinct apples circulate under the name Red Cheek. One originated on the farm of Hull, Sharon, Connecticut. A second originated near Dracut, Massachusetts. A third comes from New Jersey. Hansen further notes that in Minnesota the name Red Cheek was applied to a variety received from that state that appeared nearly or quite identical with Raspberry, and that the name was at first applied to Romianka (No. 445), though the two are described as very distinct. Hansen adds that Red Cheek is also applied to several old eastern varieties — consistent with Downing's account of multiple distinct fruits sharing the name.
Tree
The Connecticut (Hull, Sharon) variety is described by Downing as forming a small branching head and as a great bearer, with fruit that is a long keeper. No tree characteristics are described for the Massachusetts or New Jersey varieties. Not described in source for the Minnesota/Raspberry-type noted by Hansen.
Fruit
Because three distinct apples bear this name, their physical descriptions are given separately by origin.
Connecticut variety (Hull, Sharon):
- Size: Medium
- Form: Roundish oblate conic
- Skin: Whitish, shaded in the sun with bright red
- Calyx: Small, closed
- Core: Medium
- Flesh/Flavor: White, tender, juicy, pleasant mild subacid
Massachusetts variety (near Dracut):
- Size: Medium
- Form: Roundish conical
- Skin: Whitish, shaded with crimson in the sun; few gray dots
- Calyx: Closed
- Core: Rather large
- Flesh/Flavor: White, tender, juicy, pleasant subacid
New Jersey variety:
- Size: Medium
- Form: Roundish oblong oval, inclining to conic
- Skin: Whitish yellow, shaded with crimson in the sun; gray and light dots
- Stem: Short
- Calyx: Partially closed
- Core: Rather small
- Flesh/Flavor: White, tender, juicy, subacid
Season
Connecticut variety: December to February. Massachusetts variety: November and December. New Jersey variety: December and January.
Uses
The Connecticut variety is noted as a long keeper.
Subtypes/Variants
Downing identifies three distinct varieties all traveling under the Red Cheek name, as described above (Connecticut, Massachusetts, and New Jersey). Hansen identifies a fourth usage in Minnesota, where a variety received from that state and called Red Cheek appeared nearly or quite identical with Raspberry; he also records that the name was at one time applied to Romianka (No. 445), though that identification was considered incorrect and the two varieties are described as very distinct.
Other
Not described in source.
Book Sources
Described in 2 period pomological works
USDA Nomenclature (1905)
From W.H. Ragan, Nomenclature of the Apple, USDA Bulletin No. 56
This may be Monmouth.
View original book sources (2)
— A.J. Downing, The Fruits and Fruit Trees of America (1900)Red Cheek.
There are claimed to be three distinct Apples under this name. One is said to have originated on the farm of Hull, Sharon, Conn.; the tree forming a small branching head, a great bearer, and the fruit a long keeper.
Fruit medium, roundish oblate conic, whitish, shaded in the sun with bright red. Calyx small, closed. Flesh white, tender, juicy, pleasant mild subacid. Core medium. December to February.
Another Red Cheek is said to have originated near Dracut, Mass.
Fruit medium, roundish conical, whitish, shaded with crimson in the sun, few gray dots. Calyx closed. Flesh white, tender, juicy, pleasant subacid. Core rather large. November, December.
Another comes from New Jersey.
Fruit medium, roundish oblong oval, inclining to conic, whitish yellow, shaded with crimson in the sun, gray and light dots. Stalk short. Calyx partially closed. Flesh white, tender, juicy, subacid. Core rather small. December, January.
— N.E. Hansen, A Study of Northwestern Apples (1902)Red Cheek—As received from Minnesota, this appears nearly or quite identical with Raspberry. The name Red Cheek was at first applied to Romianka, No. 445, but the two are very distinct; the name is also applied to several old eastern varieties.