Ashmead's Kernel

Dessert

UK; raised c.1700 by physician Dr Ashmead, Gloucester, but not widely planted until mid C 19th. RHS FCC 1981.

Strong, sweet-sharp, intense flavour reminiscent of fruit or acid drops and of Nonpareil, but sweeter than its probably parent; firm white flesh. Long esteemed by connoisseurs and recently regained popularity in Britain and North America. Grown commercially on small scale in England, but dull colour, poor crops, weigh against it.