Ribston Pippin

Dessert

UK; believed raised c.1707 from pip brought from Rouen by Sir Henry Goodrick to Ribston Hall nr. Knaresborough, Yorkshire. Listed 1769 by William Perfect of Pontefract, Yorks. Will known by early 1800s to Europe, North America, later to the Antipodes. Syns man. RHS AM 1962. Original tree died 1835, but shoot grew up from roots to give another tree which lived until 1928 when blown over and died c.1932.

Intense, rich, aromatic flavour; juicy, firm, deep cream flesh. More acidity than Cox, not as delicate, but stronger with great depth and length. Most highly esteemed Victorian dessert apple. Grown in gardens all over the country, also for market around London, Kent and elsewhere in the 19th century. By 1890s declining in popularity, minor market apple by 1930s, but still valued garden variety. Exported to UK from Canada, Australia and New Zealand up to 1930s. Remains valued Swedish apple.