Well's Sweet
AppleWell's Sweet
Origin/History
Downing gives the origin as unknown. Thomas locates the variety to Newburg, N.Y.
Tree
Upright spreading, productive. (Downing; not described in Thomas.)
Fruit
Size and Form: Medium in size, roundish. Downing describes it as broadest in the middle and lessening each way toward both ends; Thomas describes it as tapering slightly to base and apex.
Stem: Short (both sources). Downing adds that the stalk is rather slender.
Cavity: Not described in source.
Calyx: Short (Downing). Thomas does not describe the calyx beyond the basin.
Basin: Quite shallow (both sources agree).
Skin: Downing describes the ground color as pale dull green; Thomas gives it as light green. Both sources note a brownish cheek; Downing additionally describes it as dull red or brownish.
Flesh and Flavor: Very white, very tender, rich, and agreeable (both sources). Downing notes the flesh abounds with a rich, agreeable, sprightly juice.
Quality: Good to very good (Downing).
Core/Seeds: Not described in source.
Season
November to January (Downing). Thomas characterizes the season as early winter, consistent with Downing's range.
Uses
Not described in source.
Subtypes/Variants
Not described in source.
Other
Not described in source.
Book Sources
Described in 2 period pomological works
View original book sources (2)
— A.J. Downing, The Fruits and Fruit Trees of America (1900)Well's Sweet. Sweeting, Well's. Origin unknown. Tree upright spreading productive. Fruit of medium size, roundish, broadest in the middle, and lessening each way, pale dull green, with a dull red or brownish cheek. Stalk rather slender and short. Calyx short, set in quite a shallow basin. Flesh very white, and very tender, abounding with a rich, agreeable, sprightly juice. Good to very good. November to January.
— John J. Thomas, The American Fruit Culturist (1903)Wells Sweet. Medium in size, roundish, tapering slightly to base and apex; color light green, with a brownish cheek; stalk short; basin shallow; flesh very white, tender, rich, agreeable. Early winter. Newburg, N. Y.