Russet apple facts for kids

Russet apples are special kinds of apples that have a unique, rough skin. This skin often looks greenish-brown or yellowish-brown and feels a bit like sandpaper. While many modern apples are bred to have smooth, shiny skins, russet apples are loved for their traditional look and often have a wonderful, rich flavor.

What Makes Russet Apples Special?

An Egremont Russet apple, almost completely covered in russeting

Many apple types can have some rough patches on their skin, but russet apples are almost completely covered in it. A famous example is the Egremont Russet. Russet apples often have a smell and taste that reminds people of nuts. They can also be very sweet.

Even though they taste great, apple growers today usually prefer apples with smooth skins. The amount of rough skin on an apple can change. Things like the weather, plant diseases, or pest damage can affect it. Also, sprays used on farms can play a part.

Russet apples have also been called "rusticoat," "russeting," and "leathercoat." The name "leathercoat" was even used a long time ago, in the days of William Shakespeare. For example, in one of his plays, Henry IV, part 2, a character mentions "a dish of leathercoats."

Different Kinds of Russet Apples

'Ashmead's Kernel'

There are many different types of russet apples. Each one has its own special taste and look. Here are some well-known kinds:

• 'Acklam Russet'
• 'Adam's Pearmain'
• 'Ashmead's Kernel'
• 'Blenheim Orange'
• 'Belle de Boskoop'
• 'Braddick's Nonpareil'
• 'Claygate Pearmain'
• 'Egremont Russet'
• 'English Russet'
• 'Golden Russet'
• 'Hereford Russet'
• 'Knobby Russet'
• 'Merton Russet'
• 'Nonpareil'
• 'Reinette du Canada'
• 'Ribston Pippin'
• 'Ross Nonpareil'
• 'Roxbury Russet' (also known as Boston Russet)
• 'Rudford Russet'
• 'St Edmund's Pippin'
• 'Sam Young'
• 'Tydeman's Late Orange'
• 'Winston'