Rum Apple

Apple

Rum Apple

Origin / History

According to Downing, the Rum Apple originated in Pawlet, Vermont, on the farm of Brownley Rum. Elliott lists "Bromley's Rum" as an alternate name, likely reflecting variant spellings of the same surname. Thomas attributes the variety to New Hampshire, which conflicts with Downing's Vermont origin.

Tree

The tree is upright and vigorous. Elliott adds that it is hardy, with slender shoots. Elliott describes it as productive; Downing specifies that it is an early and profuse bearer.

Fruit

Size and Form: Medium, oblate.

Stem: Short.

Cavity: Elliott describes the cavity as deep; Downing gives it as moderate. These two sources conflict on this point.

Calyx: Half closed (Elliott); partially closed (Downing). Consistent across sources.

Basin: Elliott describes the basin as open. Downing characterizes it as broad and shallow.

Skin: Yellow, slightly shaded with crimson.

Flesh / Flavor: Whitish, juicy, subacid. Downing adds that the flesh is tender and the flavor sprightly, and rates the variety Good.

Season

November to March (Elliott, Downing). Thomas gives "Winter," consistent with this range.

Uses

Not described in source.

Subtypes / Variants

Not described in source.

Other

Not described in source.

Book Sources

Described in 3 period pomological works

View original book sources (3)

Rum Apple. Bromley's Rum. American. Tree, vigorous, upright, hardy, shoots slender, productive. Fruit, medium, oblate, yellow, slight crimson shades ; stem, short; cavity, deep; calyx, half closed ; basin, open; flesh, whitish, juicy, sub-acid. November to March.

— F.R. Elliott, The Western Fruit Book (1865)

Rum Apple. Origin, Pawlet, Vt., on the farm of Brownley Rum. Tree upright, vigorous, an early and profuse bearer. Fruit medium, oblate, yellow, slightly shaded with crimson. Stalk short. Cavity moderate. Calyx partially closed. Basin broad and shallow. Flesh whitish, juicy, tender, sprightly subacid. Good. November to March.

— A.J. Downing, The Fruits and Fruit Trees of America (1900)

Rum Apple. Medium, oblate, yellow, shaded crimson; sub-acid. Winter. N. H.

— John J. Thomas, The American Fruit Culturist (1903)

Bromley's Rum