Millicent Barnes

Why you should be excited

Millicent Barnes is an early 20th century English apple, especially popular there in home gardens of the 1920s and '30s.

The story of Millicent Barnes

I suppose we can't really blame the English for using their favourite fresh eating apple -- Cox's Orange Pippin -- in the breeding of dozens of new varieties over the years. After all, if you're trying to create something special, it makes sense to start with the best as your raw material.

And Millicent Barnes is one of many, many respectable apple varieties that were bred using Cox Pippin as one of the parents. The other parent is Gascoyne's Scarlet, an attrractive, quite sharp old English apple.

The result of the pairing is a likeable -- if quite tart -- fresh-eating apple.

Millicent Barnes was quite widely planted in English home gardens during the 1920s and '30s.

Millicent Barnes Facts

Its origins

Started from seed in Chester, England, 1903.

Flavour, aroma, texture

The crisp, juicy flesh is refreshing and quite tart.

Appearance

The yellowish background is flushed with light scarlet.

When they’re available

Mid-season (usually in late September).

Quality for fresh eating

Good.

Quality for cooking

Mainly used for fresh eating.

Quality for cider

Not particularly known for use in cider.

Keeping ability

So-so (1 or 2 months when kept refrigerated).