Bloody Ploughman facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Malus domestica 'Bloody Ploughman' |
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Bloody Ploughman apples
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| Species | Malus domestica |
| Cultivar | 'Bloody Ploughman' |
| Origin |  , Carse of Gowrie, Scotland, 1883 |
The Bloody Ploughman is a special kind of apple that was first grown in Scotland. It's known for its unique look and interesting story. This apple is a specific type, or 'cultivar', of the common apple tree.
Contents
What Makes the Bloody Ploughman Apple Special?
This apple has several unique features that help you identify it.
Apple's Appearance and Taste
- The top of the apple, where the stem connects, has a deep, narrow dip. This area often has a rough, brownish patch called 'russet'.
- The apple's stem is strong and sturdy.
- The bottom of the apple, where the 'eye' is, can be a bit bumpy and uneven.
- The 'eye' (the part opposite the stem) is usually open or partly open.
- The small leaf-like parts around the eye, called 'sepals', are wide and bend backward.
- When ripe, the inside (flesh) of the apple is pink! It's also sweet, juicy, and crisp.
Tree and Growing Season
- The apple tree itself grows very strongly and is full of life.
- You can usually pick these apples from September to November.
- The apple tree's flowers bloom just before another popular apple called 'Cox's Orange Pippin'.
- It belongs to Pollination Group D. This helps farmers know which other apple trees can help it make fruit.
The Story Behind the Name
The name 'Bloody Ploughman' comes from a sad but interesting story from Scotland. The tale says that a long time ago, a man who worked as a ploughman was caught taking apples from the Megginch Estate. A gamekeeper, who looked after the estate, sadly shot the ploughman.
When the ploughman's body was brought home to his wife, she found the stolen apples in his pockets. Upset, she threw them onto a pile of rubbish. Later, a new apple seedling grew from that rubbish pile. This new tree produced apples that were a very deep, blood-red color. Because of this, the apple was named after the ploughman from the story.
