From the Living Museum
Sangre de Toro
- Origin
- Galicia, northwestern Spain (according to the Pomiferous database)
- Era
- Unknown (Spanish-language name)
- Type / use
- Novelty · Cider · Dessert (uncertain)
Portrait to be revealed
History & Stories
The Spanish name means ‘Bull’s Blood’ and points to deep red coloration, The Pomiferous database describes pale greenish flesh that is often red only just under the skin, so the name seems to refer to the skin 1. Dramatic name and appearance make it interesting; further documentation from my trees would be valuable.
Folklore & Name
Spanish name meaning ‘Bull’s Blood,’ pointing to deep red coloration. Recorded as a Galician apple whose flesh is red only just under the skin 1. Dramatic name; limited published English detail — observation from my trees valuable.
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
Pomiferous, an online apple database, says Sangre de Toro ("bull's blood") is native to Galicia, in northwestern Spain 1. It describes pale greenish flesh that is often red just under the skin 1.
What we think: stories & traditions
Red outside, not inside. On this description the name refers to the skin and the red tinge beneath it, not to fully red flesh 1. We found no record of when or by whom it was first described.
Sources
- Pomiferous, "Sangre de Toro." pomiferous.com/applebyname/sangre-de-toro-id-8377
Curious about Sangre de Toro?
Email us at drgoss@honeytreeorchard.com.