Apple Pitmaston Pine Apple

A very old (18th C), mid- to late season, russet dessert apple discovered in Worcestershire, Malus domestica Pitmaston Pine Apple has a distinct pineapple flavour. The fruit is quite small with yellow-golden skin, extensively russeted. The flesh is cream-coloured and crisp, sweet, but with a sherberty tartness and a delicious, pineapple flavour. The rather elegant tree is of medium vigour, a spur-bearer, and a heavy cropper, with pretty white blossom in spring. Apple Pitmaston Pine Apple is disease-resistant, particularly to scab, so is a good choice for organic growers and those in wetter areas. The apples must be thinned in a good year, as the tree is prone to biennial bearing. Self-sterile, so must be planted near an apple of the same or adjacent pollination group.

Site: Sheltered, sunny site
Soil: Fertile, well-drained, loamy soil, preferably slightly acid to neutral
Position: Full sun
Pick: Late September
Keep: 1-2 months
Hardiness: Fully hardy
Pollination: Pollination Group 3-4
Uses: Eating