Sweet Pippin

Origin/History

Sweet Pippin is listed by William Coxe in 1817 as No. 70, placing it among the earlier documented American apple varieties. Downing describes it as "an old variety."

Tree

Downing records the tree as productive. Not otherwise described in sources.

Fruit

Size

Elliott gives the fruit as medium to large; Downing gives it as medium.

Form

Elliott describes the fruit as round and flattened. Downing gives the form as roundish oblate or oblate. The two accounts are broadly consistent.

Stem/Stalk

Short, per both Elliott and Downing.

Cavity

Deep, per Elliott. Not described by Downing.

Calyx

Closed, per Elliott. Not described by Downing.

Basin

Broad, per Elliott. Not described by Downing.

Skin

Elliott describes the skin as yellow, striped and mostly covered with red, with a white bloom. Downing describes the color as yellowish, with red on the sun-exposed side.

Core

Small, per Elliott. Not described by Downing.

Flesh and Flavor

Elliott describes the flesh as firm, rather dry, and sweet. Downing describes it as firm, moderately juicy, and sweet. The two sources agree on firmness and sweetness but conflict on moisture: Elliott finds it rather dry, while Downing finds it moderately juicy. Both rate the fruit Good.

Season

Elliott gives December to February. Downing gives November and December. The seasons overlap, with Elliott extending the storage period into February.

Uses

Elliott notes the fruit is good for baking. Not otherwise described in sources.

Subtypes/Variants

Elliott records a distinct strain grown in South Ohio that differs markedly from the primary description: the South Ohio Sweet Pippin is globular in form, pale green in color, with tender, juicy flesh of open texture; it ripens in Early Winter. Elliott treats this as a separate local type associated with the same name rather than a synonym.

Other

Not described in source.