Webster

Why you should be excited

Webster is an attractive and tasty early 20th century U.S. apple raised from seed in Geneva, New York.

The story of Webster

If you were selecting a few hundred apple varieties to graft for your orchard, would you be able to resist a variety with positive attributes that also happened to share your name?

I admit that the moniker had a little bit to do with my choice of this not-particularly-famous early 20th century U.S. apple.

But that's not all it took to win us over. It also happens to be a most attractive red apple with a nice flavour that includes a good dose of acid to balance off its fruitiness.

In an interesting twist of genetics, both of Webster's parents were offspring of a Ben Davis/Jonathan cross.

So this is a U.S. apple through and through.

Webster Facts

Its origins

Raised from seed at Geneva, New York, USA, 1912. Introduced in 1938.

Flavour, aroma, texture

When well-ripened and given a short time in storage, the cream-coloured flesh has a fruity flavour and definite sharpness.

Appearance

It's a large, attractive, roundish, bright red-skinned apple.

When they’re available

Mid-season (usually in early October).

Quality for fresh eating

Good.

Quality for cooking

Good.

Keeping ability

Good (2 or 3 months when kept refrigerated).