Crimson King (apple) facts for kids

Quick facts for kids 'Crimson King'
Species	Malus domestica
Breeder	John Toucher, Chardstock
Origin	England, 19th c.

The Crimson King is a special kind of cider apple. It's also known by other names like John Toucher's or the Bewley Down Pippin. This apple first came from a region in England called Somerset.

Where Did Crimson King Apples Come From?

The 'Crimson King' apple was first grown in the late 1800s. A person named John Toucher from Bewley Down, a place near Chardstock in England, developed it.

At first, this apple tree was mostly planted in western Somerset. Later, farmers in Devon and other areas in the West Country of England, where a lot of cider is made, started growing it too.

What Are Crimson King Apples Like?

The fruit of the 'Crimson King' apple is usually medium to large in size. Its shape can vary, and it has a bright red skin.

When we talk about different types of cider apples, 'Crimson King' is known as a "sharp" apple. This means it has a high amount of acid, which gives it a tart taste, but it doesn't have much tannin. Tannins are what make some apples taste bitter or dry.

The 'Crimson King' tree is triploid. This means it has three sets of chromosomes instead of the usual two. Because of this, it needs pollen from other apple trees to grow fruit. It starts producing apples in the middle to late part of the apple season.

The tree itself grows very strongly and spreads out wide. It was known for producing many apples without having a "rest year" where it produces less fruit. However, it can sometimes get a plant disease called apple scab, which affects the fruit and leaves.

See also

In Spanish: Crimson King (manzana) para niños