Claygate Pearmain facts for kids
Quick facts for kids 'Claygate Pearmain' |
|
|---|---|
 |
|
| Origin | introduced 1821, Claygate, Surrey in England |
The Claygate Pearmain is a special type of apple called a cultivar. Think of a cultivar as a specific "breed" of plant that people have chosen and grown because it has unique qualities. This apple was first found in Claygate, a village in Surrey, England. It became known to the Royal Horticultural Society in 1821, thanks to a man named John Braddick. During the Victorian era, this apple was very popular for eating and soon spread across England and even to America.
Contents
Discovering the Claygate Pearmain
The story of the Claygate Pearmain apple began when John Braddick found it growing wild in a hedge in Claygate. It was around the same time and in the same area that Braddick also discovered another unique apple variety called 'Braddick Nonpareil'. His discoveries helped bring these tasty apples to more people.
What Makes This Apple Special?
The Claygate Pearmain is a medium-sized apple with a unique look and taste.
Appearance
- It often has a brownish, rough skin, which is called "russeted."
- On the side that gets lots of sunshine, it often has a beautiful crimson (deep red) patch.
- Sometimes, the russeted skin can even have a slight pink-silver shine.
Taste and Texture
- The inside of the apple is yellowish.
- It's known for being crisp and juicy when you bite into it.
- The flavor is rich and sweet, often described as having a taste similar to another famous apple, the Ribston Pippin.
When to Enjoy It
- This apple is usually ready to eat starting in November.
- It can stay fresh and delicious all the way until March, making it a great winter apple!
- It's also quite strong, as it's resistant to common apple diseases like scab.
Growing Claygate Pearmain Apples
To grow Claygate Pearmain apples, you need to know a few things about how apple trees work.
Pollination Needs
- The Claygate Pearmain apple tree is "self-sterile." This means it can't pollinate itself to make fruit.
- It needs another type of apple tree nearby to help with pollination. Bees and other insects carry pollen from one tree to the Claygate Pearmain, allowing it to produce apples.
Harvest Time
- Even though it needs a pollinator, this tree is known for producing a lot of apples!
- The best time to pick these apples is late in the growing season, usually in the fall.
Scientific Name
The scientific name for this apple variety is Malus domestica "Claygate Pearmain".
