Ashmeads Kernel apple

Malus domestica

Very old, drab appearance belies unique peardrop flavour

Parentage: Unknown
Origin: England
Introduced: 1700s - early
Season: Dec-Feb
Apple cultivar ID: 100400

An old nondescript green russeted apple, originating in the 1700s. The appearance is, let's be honest, rather unattractive. Ashmeads Kernel is lumpy, mis-shapen, and rather small. The underlying bright green skin is entirely covered in russet. Russet can be very appealing- think of the dull golden glow of Egremont Russet for example - but somehow on this apple it just looks plain dull.

Yet appearances can be deceiving. Ashmeads Kernel has remained popular for well over 2 centuries, and with good reason: it has a distinctive flavour which is quite different from most other varieties. Tasters rarely agree on exactly what the elusive flavour reminds them of, but pear drops is probably close.

It is perhaps no surprise that Asmeads Kernel does not seem to be related to any of the mainstream apple varieties, although one of its probable cousins - Duke of Devonshire - is also quite well known.

Placed alongside almost any modern variety, Ashmeads Kernel looks completely outclassed. But in the flavour stakes this old-timer holds its own.

Visitor comments

(Use the form at the bottom to add your own comments, or reply to one of the existing comments)

08 Apr 2008 12:58 Graham from Ashbourne, Derbyshire, UK: By far my favourite apple - but not until December. Not only do I like them, but nothing else seems to. Birds hardly peck them and the few damaged apples rarely go mouldy. I'm just eating the last of my stored crop (stored in a plastic bin in the shed) now, in April (I have to admit, they're a bit past their best but they were perfect up to about 2 weeks ago). Plus, the tree seems tolerant of canker; a big problem on a wet North facing slope at 600ft in Derbyshire. A great apple.Reply to this comment
06 Nov 2007 23:59 Peter Hart from Kent, UK: Our local farm shop had some for sale for a couple of weeks and I think it's the best apple I've tasted. I,m very fond of Coxs straight off the tree but I think these beat even them. They stay crisp and have just the right combination of tart and sweetness for me. Hence the reason I'm on this sight finding out more about them.Reply to this comment
05 Nov 2007 10:39 Richard Kaskeski from Brimfield: I have one of these trees that came with the house and it is wonderful.A very heavy producer and just delicious. I leave them on the tree until a golden color and they are ready. I picked 6 bushels from my 25 year old tree this year. willing to share! thanks Rich.Reply to this comment
11 Oct 2007 23:38 John Jenkins from Northampton: We visited the apple festival at Erddig last weekend (National Trust house and gardens near Wrexham). They were selling this variety, grown on site, and doing a very good trade. First time I've had them - just my sort of apple. But rest of my family aren't keen !Reply to this comment
23 Sep 2007 17:23 Steve Harris from Gloucestershire, UK: They are sometimes available from farmer's markets around here. I have a tree in my garden and harvested about 40 this afternoon. You are supposed to store for 1 month before they are at their prime. Currently they are rather hard and acid.Reply to this comment
19 Sep 2007 14:02 Henry from Maryland: Agreed. The best apple I have ever tasted. I first tried them in 1996 from a friends orchard. That property has been sold and I have been looking for a source ever since. THE BEST APPLE.Reply to this comment

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The following Ashmeads Kernel trees have been registered - click the name to view more details of each tree:

09 Aug 08 Axel Kratel Santa Cruz, California, United States

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