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Sweet Rhode Island Greening

Apple

Sweet Rhode Island Greening

Origin and History

The place of origin of this apple appears to be unknown, but it is supposed to be Ohio. It was first introduced into Illinois by Joseph Curtis, many years since. It is known by the alternate names New Rhode Island Greening and Curtis' Greening.

Tree

Very vigorous and spreading in growth habit. Begins to bear rather early. Produces full crops in even years, with moderate crops in odd years. The fruit is noted for excellent quality.

Fruit

Size and Form: Large to very large; oblate in shape, often oblique, with sides sometimes unequal.

Skin: Greenish yellow, often taking on a shade of pale brown in the sun, and sometimes spotted with red. Surface marked with a few brown and gray dots.

Stalk: Very short and small.

Cavity: Rather large.

Calyx: Closed.

Basin: Large and deep, slightly plaited.

Flesh and Flavor: Yellowish in color, half fine texture, tender, juicy, sweet, rich, and slightly aromatic. Quality is very good.

Core: Small.

Season

December, January.

Uses

Said to be the best sweet apple, where known, for December and January use in culinary purposes and market sales.

Subtypes and Variants

Not described in source.

Book Sources

Described in 1 period pomological work

View original book sources (1)

Sweet Rhode Island Greening.

New Rhode Island Greening. Curtis' Greening.

The place of origin of this apple appears to be unknown, but is supposed to be Ohio; it was first introduced into Illinois by Joseph Curtis, many years since. Tree very vigorous, spreading; it begins to bear rather early, and produces full crops the even years, and moderate crops odd years; the fruit is of large size, excellent quality, and is said to be the best sweet apple, where known, for December and January, for culinary purposes and market.

Fruit large to very large, oblate, often oblique, sides sometimes unequal; skin greenish yellow, often a shade of pale brown in the sun, and sometimes spotted with red, a few brown and gray dots; stalk very short, small; cavity rather large; calyx closed; basin large, deep; slightly plaited; flesh yellowish, half fine, tender, juicy, sweet, rich, slightly aromatic; very good quality; core small. December, January.

A.J. Downing, The Fruits and Fruit Trees of America (1900)
Curtis' Greening New Rhode Island Greening Sweet Greening Curtis Greening