Cornish Aromatic

Why you should be excited

Cornish Aromatic is a distinctively flavoured old English apple mostly used for fresh-eating, although considered useful in cider, too.

The story of Cornish Aromatic

The very different histories of apple growing in Europe and the British Isles as compared to North America led to very different expectations of the apples originating in these regions.

In the Old World, known varieties of apples were relatively easily available, allowing for specialization, with some being designated for fresh-eating, others for cooking and yet other varieties for cider.

In North America, early orchards were planted from bulk seed, so every tree was genetically new and varied; people did not know what they were getting when they planted a tree and many of these new varieties of apples were used for everything: fresh eating, cooking, cider and feeding livestock.

Given this history, Cornish Aromatic is unusual for being an Old World apple that crosses between uses: considered a fresh-eating apple, it also is rated highly for use in cider.

Cornish Aromatic Facts

Its origins

Discovered in Cornwall, England, sometime before 1813.

Flavour, aroma, texture

Firm-fleshed, sweet yet sharp, with spicy, pear drop qualities.

Appearance

An attractive bright-red apple with russet and darker red patches.

When they’re available

Mid-season (in our orchard, we expect mid-September).

Quality for fresh eating

Very good.

Quality for cooking

Mainly used for fresh eating.

Quality for cider

Good.

Keeping ability

Good (about 3 months when kept refrigerated).