Visitor comments

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11 May 2009 19:41   dave from Stockholm Sweden

Attn: Kerie Wallace (Mr) (Private individual) It's suggested that because of the porous nature of the Russet's skin, they tend to lose their moisture quickly and dry out when kept in a dry environment. They are supposed to fare better when kept in a cool, humid atmosphere.Reply to this comment

27 Mar 2009 01:42   Lorna from Woodstock, NB

Russets arrive in the grocery stores here just before Christmas and, for me, they are one of the Christmas foods that I always want to have, like mince tarts, Christmas Pudding, and shortbread. They are so tart and crisp, and always remind me of childhood ChristmasesReply to this comment

11 May 2009 09:18   Dave from Stockholm Sweden

These apples were part of ofmy fondest memories as a kid in Ontario Canada in the 60's. Someone needs to start a Facebook group, "Bring Back The Russet!"

16 Dec 2008 14:55   Ben from Liverpool

Hi Paul!!!! It's amazing that two russet lovers are in the SAME city, yet we've never met!? How many other devoted russetophiles are there in Merseysdie? I'm wondering about pruning my russet tree soon.... any tips?? ANYBODY???Reply to this comment

09 Dec 2008 01:52   David Fillingham from Belmont, MA USA

I managed an orchard in VT that had this and some other russets. It was in East Calais in the area north of Montpelier. Russets are my favorites and most farmers I know favor them.Reply to this comment

27 Apr 2009 05:37   Alexandra Thompson from Dukes Co., Massachusetts

We are looking for an egremont russet, already grafted, to replace an old apple tree that was struck by lightning. Does anyone out there have one?

14 Dec 2008 14:23   paul from Liverpool

My dada used to grow russets when we were small we used to climb that tree and mama said it was v. dagereous but it was worth it to eat loads of "rustys" as we used to call them. Do any other russet fans out there have any similar hilarious anecdotes to share?

28 Nov 2008 15:50   Hoy Pal Oi from Dankest Westcountry

Certainly my current favourite. I've been trying to buy strictly GB apples for hippy nonsense reasons - and you always here oldies grumbling about how "oooh, england used to have a billion home grown varieties and now it's all uniform apples at sub zero temperatures shipped from the other side of the world!!"Reply to this comment

05 Dec 2008 16:40   Ben from Liverpool

Tell me about it Hoy Pal Oi!!!! I recently bought some beloved russets from a supermarket (I won't name and shame them but it rhymes with piddle!!) and I discovered that they were imported from Chile - Brrrrrrrr - probably in a deep chill container brrrr brrr !!! Still, they tasted jolly good even though they were produced by foreigners!!!

17 Nov 2008 17:13   Rod Grice from West Midlands, UK

I feel guilty when I read all your comments about the russet apple, as I have two mature trees in the garden and only picked a handfull of apples to eat. I did however pick a couple of kilos of windfalls to make an apple jelly preserve and left the rest to the blackbirds (The birds must like them because upwards of 100 windfalls have all been eaten) .Reply to this comment

12 Nov 2008 00:49   Sharon from Oriskany Falls,New York

I just bought Russet apples @ Twin Orchards in New Hartford, New York & I never saw nor tasted one before. They are sweet & the skin is good also, even tho it is not smooth as the apples i'm used to. A apple worth trying..Reply to this comment

10 Nov 2008 17:16   Darren from Canterbury,kent,uk

Sainsburys has had another batch in and just as superb as the previous. Wonderful balance of pear-acid-apple taste, and that distinctive bite. Nicely sized fruit, apparently from a local Kent farm.Reply to this comment

09 Nov 2008 23:20   Kathleen Murray from Montreal, Canada

I have always loved the Russet apple and was wondering where it originates from. I am curious to know if we grow them here in Quebec. We can buy them, but I am not certain of their origin. Some American colleagues of mine, from across the States, saw and tasted a Russet apple for the first time today, which surprised me, since the apple dates back to my childhood years!Reply to this comment

16 Jan 2009 17:24   geoff from egremont

Kathryn the apples from egremont, medieval market town in the lake district. google gurning youl see what were also famous for

02 Nov 2008 03:03   Debbie from Winnipeg Canada

I have loved russet apples for many years.. they used to be available in supermarkets in Ontario but when I moved to Manitoba I missed not being able to locate for for a few years. now I watch the store fruit departments during the months of September and Ocober each year.. I just spotted them in a supermarket the other day.. these are grown in Thornbury Ontario... I picked up two bags.. there is nothing quite so good as a ruset apple.Reply to this comment

25 Oct 2008 10:35   Steven from Grantham

Bought 5 Egremont Russets in Sainsbury's last night. They were the last 5 on the tray and the neighbouring Braeburns, Pearmains and Pink Ladys were all still there. Obviously the ER is a popular apple in Grantham! The trouble with Sainsbury's though is that certain apples seem to be there on week and gone the next. This year seems to have been a poor one for variety as well.Reply to this comment

19 Oct 2008 16:57   L from NYC

I LOVE LOVE LOVE russet apples! I only eat tart and crispy apples, especially when it's in perfect season and only russet, mcintosh and green apples hit the spot. I have never seen russet apples in NYC but luckily I was in WI visiting my mom and bought a whole bag. Only one vendor at farmer's market in WI sells it. I don't know why, they are delicious and my #1 fav.Reply to this comment

12 Oct 2008 07:45   Leah from Fresno, CA

I love these apples! I just moved to Cali from WI and would get them from Ski Hi every year. Anyone know where I can get them in Cali???Reply to this comment

10 Oct 2008 20:25   Eddie Jobling from Hendersonville NC USA

I'm from Stockton on tees, England. The Russet apple was my favourite apple as a child I only wish I could find a supply here in NCReply to this comment

10 Oct 2008 14:56   Griff from Barnet, UK

I've just bought some ERs from Neal's Yard in Borough Market here in London. They are from Brogdale in Kent, which boasts the largest different type of fruit trees anywhere in the world. Quite simply, it is the finest apple I have ever eaten. On my desk, I have a Braeburn. An okay apple. But nowhere near as great as the Egremont and it's come 11,000 miles from NZ to get to my desk. What's the point when we have such brilliant homegrown apples on our doorstep? Ask the supermarkets.Reply to this comment

06 Oct 2008 11:41   Natalie from West Sussex

I had my first egremont russet apple yesterday after buying half a dozen from my local farm shop (Tully's Farm). It was by far the best apple I've had a months - years even. Shame they're so little though. I plan to shun the supermarket in favour of sampling all the old British varieties available locally.Reply to this comment

01 Oct 2008 08:56   Dale Shrimpton from slough, berkshire

russet apples make a wonderfull apple crumble, when mixed with raisins soaked in pymms. add the pyms to the sliced apples and rasins, top with crumble, and serve with custard. Its to die for!Reply to this comment

30 Sep 2008 00:07   Ellie from Bath, UK

I have a Russet tree (not sure which type), amongst other apple trees. All summer, the Russet tree has been attracting hornets - lots of them! They have been consistently feeding on the Russets and ignoring the other apple trees. I've been giving it a wide berth all summer... eek!Reply to this comment

24 Sep 2008 13:52   MikeCummins from UK

You should also look out for St. Edmunds Russet. I find it has a finer flavour and more juicy.Reply to this comment

20 Sep 2008 10:31   Harold from Bushey, Herts

I have a Russet tree which is full of apples.When do you pick them? The squirrels seem to enjoy them and I want to save some for later in the year.Reply to this comment

08 Nov 2008 12:52   clive smith from Stone, Staffordshire, England

Reply to Harold from Bushey, I have an Egremont Russet, about 4 years old, which has fruited very well this year. I suggest you pick as late as possible just as the apples are about to fall, say mid October.

03 Sep 2008 08:21   M Lock from Norfolk UK

I have an amazing Russet tree in my garden which delivers superb fruit every year, not being an apple lover i was foolish enough to chuck bags of them last year. I had some friends over for a BBQ a few weeks ago and they all want a bag or 3 for themselves as i'm told they keep well over winter wrapped in newspaper. After reading the above comments i will be using them in salads and eating them with cheese....i am a new born apple lover. :)Reply to this comment

02 Sep 2008 21:15   Helena from Romsey, Hampshire, UK

Can this variety have bright green or green and red skin under the russet? I'm trying to identify my apple tree - the picture looks similar, the taste description is similar, but the skins of mine are all green or red. Thanks in advance.Reply to this comment

23 Aug 2008 20:42   sean o'flynn from leeds, uk

i have an egremont russet that i planted as a bare rooted 2 year old minarette in Jan 2007. It fruited poorly in its first season, which is to be expected, but it has failed to perform well this year, unlike my scrumptious, which is a heavy cropperReply to this comment

01 Aug 2008 04:58   j. briggs from geraldton, west australia

does anyone know the right conditions to grow russet apples ? i just reckon they are the best apple but unfortunately no one has heard of them in aust. and they are unavailable to my knowledge.Reply to this comment

30 Jun 2008 18:48   phil pye from cheshire england

i have recently bought the racehorse,called dandygrey russett, is this a type of apple,can anyone help,thanksReply to this comment

15 May 2008 22:09   Brian from Phoenix Az, USA

Are there any growers in the US?Reply to this comment

22 Aug 2008 00:21   Julie from Hayward, Wi

Ski-Hi Fruit Farms in Baraboo Wisconsin sell russet apples every fall. They are wonderful apples.

14 May 2008 17:19   Michael Quah from Melbourne

Like my brother,steve, i enjoyed eating this very special apple when i was living in england some 30 years ago too. i wish i can buy this type of apple in melbourne. they are crispy and sweet.Reply to this comment

21 Mar 2008 00:16   roman from calgary,alberta, canada

Russets are definitely my favourite apple. As far as I know russets are only grown in Nova Scotia. A lot of varieties come from British Columbia but never a russet. I look forward to them when they arrive in the stores either before Christmas or just after.Reply to this comment

07 Mar 2008 13:52   Andy from Germany (Bavaria)

I love the russet sort so much too. I bought 20pound (10kilogram) for only 10 Euro last week. It's a dealer who is coming with his big car through the village I live. I had plant one tree in my garden last year, hopefully these tree will grow very fast! ;o)Reply to this comment

02 Mar 2008 15:38   Stephen Quah from Melbourne Australia

30 years ago when I was still a lad living in Stockton-on Tees Tyneside I used to eat heaps. I've never seen any since I came to Australia. In my opinion they are best varity of apples. Can anyone tell me whether Russets can be found in Victoria Australia ?Reply to this comment

25 Feb 2008 15:57   sebastian from Florida, USA

Where can I buy russet applesReply to this comment

28 Jan 2008 21:41   Matthew from West Bromwich, England

I like several varieties of apple, but the odd russett in the winter months is always a refreshing change. However, can anyone explain why, after England had perfect apple growing weather in 2007 (sunny dry April followed by three months of mild wet weather) all varieties are selling at the high price of £1.48 per kilo, other than the marvelous Jonagold which is grown 6000 miles away at less than a third of the cost? It doesn't make sense.Reply to this comment

10 Jan 2008 19:17   Julian from London, UK

Just found that the co-operative supermarket in London, Archway is selling them at the moment. Lovely! :D :D :DReply to this comment

17 Dec 2007 21:37   Griff from North Bucks, UK

This apple is my favourite. It excels. It just does not get the credit it deserves. Why? It's beyond me.Reply to this comment

11 Dec 2007 11:43   Brian from Outer Hebrides / Northern Sweden

There was a Russet at the end of the garden where I grew up, and I learned to love its unique flavour and texture. I recently acquired a garden and house in Vesternorrland in Sweden, there are a couple of apple trees there, but the apples are an unexciting sort. I had in mind to graft diffferent varieties onto them, in order to harvest the kinds of apples I like. Would the Russet be suitable for that climate ( it gets below freezing about December and stays that way most days and nights until April, but in summer it can reach 28 Celcius and days last 24 hrs!). The other kinds I like are Blenham and Cox's Orange Pippin. They are very rarely available to buy in shops, and having them would be wonderful. I would need to graft them because being now 70, I do not have the time to wait years for my apple trees to fruit! How would I go about getting the sniips to graft? I agree with your description of their taste BTW. Thanks, BrianReply to this comment

30 Nov 2007 02:23   Steve from Ontario, Canada

I'm also a fan of Russet apples. What's really amazing, is that Russets can handle several frosts and still be in great shape on the tree after thawing out. I also find they keep very well. Definitely an amazing apple! Believe it or not, I live on Egremont Road!Reply to this comment

26 Nov 2007 12:38   J Thurlow from London, UK

My favourite apple too - perfect combination of sweet and tart, skin not too thick. Had the most gorgeous bag from orchard and farm shop up in West Norfolk ... but it's so hard to get hold of them in London. Such a shame!Reply to this comment

22 Nov 2007 12:27   Sunita Patel from Birmingham, UK

I love Russet Apples, I eat one every day! Most of the people I work with have never heard of them before, so I like to tell them stories about how my family used to make pies out of them in the winter. I think you should go out and buy some if you havn't yet tried them. I'm their biggest fan!!!Reply to this comment

13 Nov 2007 20:38   Colin Pearson from West London

These apples are the best you can get! The skin tastes the same as the apple which has a mild but smooth and exotic flavour. The consistency is just right, neither hard nor soft.Reply to this comment

11 Nov 2007 20:52   Amy Q from Port Hope, ON. Canada

I love Russets and I just bought half a peck today - you have to get them while you can because they do not keep. But I love the sweet nutty flavour and smell of a Russets when you bite into them. I also love the texture on the skin.Reply to this comment

08 Nov 2007 22:42   Mary from Manchester, UK

My favourite apple! I think it's best eaten after it's been kept a while. Apples used to be stored to be enjoyed throughough the winter months, and I can see why. It's getting harder to find, but luckily I have a great greengrocer.Reply to this comment

25 Oct 2007 20:10   R Metcalfe from North England

We have a tree in our garden and its fruit is enjoyed every year by ourselves, friends & Labradors.Reply to this comment

03 Aug 2007 10:45   Jack from Rochester, NY

Ran across your article on Russets. It brought back memories from the late 1920's. We had a large Russet apple tree in the school yard (2 room) and in the fall we would bang the apples on the steps and bruise the devil out of them. Let them set for awhile and then suck the juice from them."Reply to this comment

03 Aug 2007 10:45   Paddy from London, UK

Absolutely fantastic with chicory (endives) in a salad - I was introduced to this combination by a French friend.Reply to this comment

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