Dufflin (apple) facts for kids

Quick facts for kids 'Dufflin'
Species	Malus domestica
Origin	Cornwall, late 1800s.

Dufflin is an old type of cider apple from Cornwall, England. A cider apple is a special kind of apple grown to make cider, a popular drink. This apple was tested in orchards by the Long Ashton Research Station in 1957.

Where Dufflin Apples Come From

Dufflin apples have a long history in Cornwall. People knew they were growing in the area around Kea near Truro way back in the 1800s. This shows they are a very old and traditional apple variety from that region.

What Makes Dufflin Apples Special

Dufflin apples are known for their unique qualities, especially for making cider.

Taste and Use

These apples have a lot of sugar, which makes them sweet. They also have a "bittersharp" flavor. This means they are a bit tart and a bit bitter at the same time. This mix of sweet, tart, and bitter flavors is perfect for making and mixing different kinds of cider.

Growing the Trees

Dufflin apple trees grow very strongly and produce many apples. This is called being "vigorous croppers." They are also good because they can fight off a common plant disease called apple scab. Apple scab causes spots on apples and leaves, so being resistant helps the trees stay healthy.

Appearance of the Apple

The skin of a Dufflin apple is quite rough, which is called "russeted." It feels a bit like sandpaper. The inside of the apple, the flesh, is soft.

Dufflin Apples in Stories

Dufflin cider even appears in a story! A famous writer from Cornwall, Sir Arthur Thomas Quiller-Couch, wrote about it. In his book, "Ia, and other tales", published in 1896, Dufflin cider is part of the story. In one part, the main character, Ia Rosemundy, accidentally spills Dufflin cider on a visiting preacher.