Beauty of Bath

Dessert

UK; arose with market gardeners of Bailbrook, near Bath, Somerset. Introduced c. 1864 by nurseryman G. Coolings. Brought to prominence at 1888 Apple & Pear Conference. RHS FCC 1887.

Distinctive, fairly acid taste, although fully ripe has plenty of sweetness. Too early, it can be like a green gooseberry, but too late will taste fermented. Flesh often stained pink under the skin.

Formerly widely grown for market and in gardens. Its very short season and tendency to 'drop' before ripe (farmers used to put straw under the trees to catch the fruit) led to its commercial demise.