Apple – Egremont Russet

The Egremont Russet apple is a classic English Victorian variety, originating in England in 1872.  Believed to have been raised by the Earl of Egremont in Petworth, Sussex, England.

Egremont Russet

This medium sized desert apple has a dull golden skin flecked with yellow and is the third most common apple in cultivation in England and Wales.

The flesh of the Egremont Russet is quite dry but juicy with a  sharp-sweet, delicately "nutty" flavour. The flesh becomes drier with keeping.

Uses: Desert
Parents: Unknown
Flowers: Mid May
Picking: October
Natural Storage: October to December.

The Egremont Russet can be found growing in the orchards of Acorn Bank House, Temple Sowerby, Cumbria.
Young trees available from Adams Apples

Egremont Russet

A recent visit to one of the local stores and we came across this apple with a local name.

The Egremont Russet, according to the Orange Pippin online directory, is a classic English russet apple from the Victorian era.

The website goes on to say that the apple taste is traditionally described as "nutty", with a  flavour  more delicate than most varieties, and quite sweet. Both the flavour and the soft flesh are reminiscent of a firm pear. 

The history

The Egremont Russet was first recorded in 1872, and is believed to have been raised by Lord Egremont at Petworth in Sussex, UK.

It received the Award of Merit from the RHS in 1980.

As far as we can acertain the name has no connection to the Northern English town of Egremont, famous for the Crab fair.

Russeting is the term used to describe apples whose skin is dry and coarse, similar to fine sandpaper. 

More information

http://www.guardian.co.uk/news/2003/nov/17/food.foodanddrink

The National Fruit Collection at Brogdale