SMALL BLACK
Apple
SMALL BLACK
Origin and History
This useful little apple is found in many collections where the Jersey Black is cultivated, but it is quite distinct from that variety. It has been referred to as the Black Apple (Coxe and Downing reference) and American black. Origin unknown.
Tree
Not described in source.
Fruit
Size and Form: Medium to small, globular, sometimes nearly oblate, regular in shape.
Skin: Surface smooth. Ground color deep red, sometimes purplish; striping indistinct. Dots numerous, indented, minute, and pink or purple in color.
Cavity: Acute, sometimes lipped; brown in color.
Stem: Long, inclined, red or green.
Basin and Calyx: Basin shallow, abrupt, regular or folded. Eye small to medium, closed. Segments reflexed.
Core and Seeds: Core regular, round, slightly open, clasping the eye. Seeds numerous, plump and angular.
Flesh and Flavor: Flesh yellowish, often pink, tender, and fine-grained. Flavor sub-acid and agreeable. Quality good.
Season
November to January.
Uses
Dessert.
Book Sources
Described in 1 period pomological work
View original book sources (1)
— John A. Warder, American Pomology: Apples (1867)SMALL BLACK.
BLACK APPLE of Coxe and Downing— American black.
This useful little apple is found in many collections where the Jersey Black is cultivated, but it seems to be quite distinct. Origin unknown.
Fruit medium to small, globular, sometimes nearly oblate, regular; Surface smooth, deep red, sometimes purplish, striping indistinct; Dots numerous, indented, minute, pink or purple.
Basin shallow, abrupt, regular or folded; Eye small to medium, closed; Segments reflexed.
Cavity acute, sometimes lipped, brown; Stem long, inclined, red or green.
Core regular, round, slightly open, clasping the eye; Seeds numerous, plump and angular; Flesh yellowish, often pink, tender, fine grained; Flavor sub-acid, agreeable; Quality good; Use, dessert; Season, November to January.