Cotton Sweet

Why you should be excited

Cotton Sweet was brought from Wales to North Carolina by settlers who clearly thought highly of it.

The story of Cotton Sweet

Whether you know it as Cotton Sweet, plain old Cotton or any of several other names (Large White Sweet, Cotton Bole, Welsh) a few facts about this apple stand out.

First, the various names it’s been known by make it clear that it’s sweet and ‘cotton-white’ in colour.

And second, for Welsh settlers to have brought it along when they immigrated to North Carolina, they must have had quite a high opinion of the variety.

Pretty obscure today, this is definitely an apple to celebrate mainly for its history. Although those who have a particular hankering for super-tender fleshed apples may feel it's more than that.

Cotton Sweet Facts

Its origins

Its history is unknown before Welsh settlers brought it to North Carolina, perhaps in the early 19th century.

Flavour, aroma, texture

Tender flesh, nice flavour.

Appearance

A large roundish apple with very pale skin, either yellow or even white.

When they’re available

Mid-season (usually in mid-September).

Quality for fresh eating

Good.

Quality for cooking

Good.

Quality for cider

While it's difficult to find references to it being used as a cider apple, it's difficult to believe that a variety that was in the U.S. so early on hasn't been used extensively in cider. So, we're guessing it has been.

Keeping ability

We'll let you know when we find out.