Roxbury Russet

Roxbury Russet originated early in the 17th century in Roxbury, Massachusetts, and is probably the oldest named variety of apple in America. Propagation wood was taken to Connecticut soon after 1649. Medium to large in size, and elliptical in shape, the green skin is tinged a bronze, and overspread with a brownish-yellow russet. Sometimes, there is a reddish blush on the sun-exposed side and a hint of ribbing. The greenish-yellow flesh is coarse, medium depth; calyx is closed; basin round of moderate depth; the core is compact, and the seeds are usually defective. The spreading tree is crooked growing when young, and the bark is a reddish-olive. The broad, oval, shiny leaves are folded near the edge and slightly reflexed. An all-purpose apple, it contains 12.87% sugar that ferments to 6% alcohol in hard cider production. Roxbury Russet stores well and ripens in late September and early October.