Vintage Virginia Apples

CLAYGATE PEARMAIN is an English winter dessert apple found by John Braddick growing in a hedge in the village of Claygate in Surrey before 1820. Medium-sized apple is brown-russeted with a splash of crimson on the sun side. The russet scale has a pink-silver tinge. The flesh is crisp, juicy, and yellow, with a rich sugary flavor, balanced. This moderately vigorous upright growing tree is a heavy bearer, and it should be harvested as late as possible in the season. The bumpy skin is dry to the touch. Claygate Pearmain has been compared in appearance to the Blenheim Orange. It stores well and ripens in October.