Margaret

Why you should be excited

Margaret is a super-early-ripening old English variety that delivers nice flavour over a very brief season.

The story of Margaret

Typical of many very old varieties, Margaret has been known by many different names over the centuries.

This was particularly common in the U.S., where large distances between communities resulted in some apple varieties going by different names simply because folks were unaware that the same variety grew elsewhere under a different name.

Margaret originated in 17th century England and came to the North American colonies early enough for it to become known by more than 40 different names, including Summer Traveller, Owen’s Golden Beauty, Virginia June and Striped Quatford.

All of them were this tasty apple that barely keeps at all. Best eaten straight off the tree.

Margaret Facts

Its origins:

Discovered in England sometime before the 17th century.

Flavour, aroma, texture

Delicate flavour and sweet scent.

Appearance

Small, round and flattened, with a red-orange flush over yellow.

When they’re available

Very early season (in our orchard: late July).

Quality for fresh eating

Good, if eaten immediately following harvest.

Quality for cider

Not widely used in cider.

Quality for cooking

Mostly used for fresh-eating.

Keeping ability

Near-zero (best eaten straight off the tree).