Egremont Russet

Dessert

UK; probably arose England. Recorded 1872 by nurseryman J. Scott, Merriott, Somerset. Exhibited 1883 from Sherbourne Castle, Dorset.

Very distinctive flavour, often described as nutty. Morton Shand said it recalled scent of crushed ferns. Almost smoky, tannic quality develops after keeping and flesh becomes drier. Name suggests it arose on estate of Lord Egremont, Petworth, Sussex. Gardens were famed for fruit, particularly in early 1800s, when a number of new varieties were raised there, but none bearing this name. Nevertheless Head Gardener, Fred Streeter always maintained it was raised at Petworth. Popularity came in the early 1900s, after George Bunyard praised it as one of 'richest late autumn fruits ... pretty colour for dessert'. Commercial season clashed with Cox, but following demand for 'Russet' apples in 1960s, it was planted to small extent and 'Russet' now seen on sale.