From the Living Museum
Knobbed Russet
- Origin
- Midhurst, Sussex, England; first shown in 1820 by Haslar Capron
- Era
- Known by 1820
- Type / use
- Dessert (Russet)
History & Stories
Old russet distinguished by a notably rough, knobby surface. Firm, aromatic, sweet-sharp flesh typical of quality English russets. Unique textural appearance and membership in the classic russet group.
Folklore & Name
Old English russet named for its distinctive knobby, rough surface. Classic descriptive folk name.
Digging into the History
Below my own notes, here is what the old fruit books and today’s collections record about this apple, kept apart from the stories people tell.
What we know
Knobbed Russet, also called Knobby Russet, comes from Sussex. The UK National Fruit Collection says it was "brought to notice in 1820 by Haslar Capron of Midhurst, Sussex" 1. Robert Hogg's Fruit Manual (1884) also credits Mr. Capron of Midhurst with introducing it to the London Horticultural Society 2. Among its other names is the unflattering "Old Maid's" 1,2.
What we think: stories & traditions
An ugly apple, loved anyway. The name says it all: a lumpy, warty, heavily russeted fruit. Hogg lists it under the name "Knobbed Russet," with synonyms including "Knobby Russet" and "Old Maid's" 2. We don't know where the "Old Maid's" name came from. It may be a joke about the wrinkled skin, but that is only a guess.
We have not found any record of who raised it or how old it was when Capron showed it in 1820 1.
Sources
- UK National Fruit Collection, "Knobby Russet." www.nationalfruitcollection.org.uk/full2.php?id=3292&fruit=apple
- Robert Hogg, The Fruit Manual, 5th ed. (London, 1884), "Knobbed Russet." archive.org/details/fruitmanualguide00hoggrich/mode/2up?q=Knobbed+Russet
Curious about Knobbed Russet?
Email us at drgoss@honeytreeorchard.com.