Rock Pippin

Origin/History

From Ohio, according to Downing. Warder also lists this variety under the names Ridge Pippin and Lemon; Downing additionally records the synonym Walnut Stem. Warder notes its particular claims upon the attention of the commercial orchardist on account of its soundness and beauty in the spring.

Tree

Tree very thrifty, large, and productive. Branches open, spreading. Shoots stout, dark. Foliage large, scattered. (Warder; not described by Downing.)

Fruit

Size and Form

Fruit full medium (Warder) to medium (Downing). Warder describes the form as oblong, ovate, angular, often ribbed, truncate at the apex, and sometimes unequal. Downing describes it as oblong conical.

Stem

Stem medium. (Warder; not described by Downing.)

Cavity

Cavity acute, often lipped. (Warder; not described by Downing.)

Calyx

Eye small, short, closed. (Warder; not described by Downing.)

Basin

Basin shallow, plaited or folded. (Warder; not described by Downing.)

Skin

Surface very smooth. Ground color very rich yellow (Warder) / yellow (Downing). Sun-exposed color: blushed bright carmine when ripe (Warder); bronzed in sun (Downing). Dots few, small, dark. (Warder.)

Flesh and Flavor

Flesh yellow (Warder). On texture, the sources conflict: Warder describes the flesh as breaking and rather dry; Downing describes it as firm. Flavor acid to sub-acid, rich (Warder; not described by Downing). Quality rated only good by Warder.

Core and Seeds

Core medium, pyriform, open, somewhat clasping. Seeds numerous, long, brown. (Warder; not described by Downing.)

Season

December to May. Of most value for market at the latter period — that is, in spring. (Warder.) Downing confirms it is a good keeper and a profitable market fruit in spring.

Uses

Market and kitchen. Cooks well all winter. (Warder.) Downing concurs that it is a profitable market fruit in spring.

Subtypes/Variants

Not described in source.

Other

Not described in source.