Kerry Pippin

Why you should be excited

Kerry Pippin is a highly-thought-of early season apple from Ireland that both looks and tastes great.

The story of Kerry Pippin

There's good reason why Kerry Pippin was much planted in English orchards and gardens during the 19th century. This Irish apple combined excellent early season flavour with good looks, making it a desirable fruit for just about anyone to grow.

Like all early apples of its era, this is not a long-keeper, but that's not of great concern to those who love to gobble all the good-tasting apples they can find that are ripe before the end of August.

Sometimes straightforward green in colour, this smallish apple more commonly displays a most attractive tortoise shell pattern of orange and red.

On top of its other strengths, Kerry Pippin is also a heavy cropper.

Kerry Pippin Facts

Its origins

Unknown origins in Ireland; recorded in 1802.

Flavour, aroma, texture

The firm flesh offers a nice balance of acidity and sugar along with a rich, densely fruity flavour.

Appearance

This small apple has gorgeous tortoise-shell colouring of light red and broken red stripes over green/yellow.

When they’re available

Early season (usually in late August).

Quality for fresh eating

Very good.

Quality for cooking

Mainly used for fresh eating.

Quality for cider

Like most early-ripening apples, Kerry Pippin isn'y particularly thought of as a cider apple.

Keeping ability

So-so (about 1 month when kept refrigerated).