Ellison's Orange apple
Ellisons Orange is an early (c1905) cross of Cox's Orange Pippin, and without doubt one of the most significant Cox-style apples. Its depth and range of flavour are in the same league as its parent.
Its uniqueness comes from the strange aniseed flavour which can arise after picking - a facet of the Cox-family aromatic complexity which is not apparent in its parent. In a good year, and soon after picking, the aniseed is subdued or absent and some authorities claim Ellisons Orange can be as intense as Cox. In a bad year though, or grown in the wrong conditions, it can be quite unpleasant. The trick is to remember that Ellisons Orange, unlike most of the more complex apple varieties, is actually a mid-season apple, ripening in the UK in September. Also, like other mid-season varieties, it does not keep especially well.
If you don't like aniseed do not let this put you off because you would be missing a unique taste experience. Straight from the tree the aniseed flavour is barely detectable, and Ellison's Orange has such a glorious richness of flavour that it is "essential reading" for anyone with an interest in apples. After a few days the aniseed is slightly more apparent - but merely as a liquorice undertone to a whole array of different fruit flavours.
Visually Ellisons Orange fits the bill as a classic English variety. The flesh is quite soft, somewhat pear-like in texture, and juicier than Cox. Ellisons Orange is certainly a good way in to the Cox-style flavour. Although Cox is readily available in supermarkets from both UK and New Zealand suppliers, it is difficult to get examples which truly reflect its flavour potential - supermarket Cox apples are usually pleasant but do not really live up to the reputation. Ellisons Orange on the other hand - if you can find it - is a more reliable variety.
Ellisons Orange was developed from Cox's Orange Pippin by Rev. Ellison in Lincolnshire, England, at the start of the 20th century. Its other parent is believed to be one of the Calville varieties, originating in France and thought to be very old.
Ellisons Orange has always been moderately popular as a Cox-style apple which is easier to grow than its disease-prone parent. As a result it can sometimes be found at farmers markets or in old traditional orchards. It is also much easier to grow in the garden than Cox - and picked straight from the tree is the best way to enjoy the incredible intense flavours without over-dosing on the aniseed.
Ellisons Orange is an English classic that can undoubtedly claim a place in the first rank of apple varieties.
Its uniqueness comes from the strange aniseed flavour which can arise after picking - a facet of the Cox-family aromatic complexity which is not apparent in its parent. In a good year, and soon after picking, the aniseed is subdued or absent and some authorities claim Ellisons Orange can be as intense as Cox. In a bad year though, or grown in the wrong conditions, it can be quite unpleasant. The trick is to remember that Ellisons Orange, unlike most of the more complex apple varieties, is actually a mid-season apple, ripening in the UK in September. Also, like other mid-season varieties, it does not keep especially well.
If you don't like aniseed do not let this put you off because you would be missing a unique taste experience. Straight from the tree the aniseed flavour is barely detectable, and Ellison's Orange has such a glorious richness of flavour that it is "essential reading" for anyone with an interest in apples. After a few days the aniseed is slightly more apparent - but merely as a liquorice undertone to a whole array of different fruit flavours.
Visually Ellisons Orange fits the bill as a classic English variety. The flesh is quite soft, somewhat pear-like in texture, and juicier than Cox. Ellisons Orange is certainly a good way in to the Cox-style flavour. Although Cox is readily available in supermarkets from both UK and New Zealand suppliers, it is difficult to get examples which truly reflect its flavour potential - supermarket Cox apples are usually pleasant but do not really live up to the reputation. Ellisons Orange on the other hand - if you can find it - is a more reliable variety.
Ellisons Orange was developed from Cox's Orange Pippin by Rev. Ellison in Lincolnshire, England, at the start of the 20th century. Its other parent is believed to be one of the Calville varieties, originating in France and thought to be very old.
Ellisons Orange has always been moderately popular as a Cox-style apple which is easier to grow than its disease-prone parent. As a result it can sometimes be found at farmers markets or in old traditional orchards. It is also much easier to grow in the garden than Cox - and picked straight from the tree is the best way to enjoy the incredible intense flavours without over-dosing on the aniseed.
Ellisons Orange is an English classic that can undoubtedly claim a place in the first rank of apple varieties.
One of the best offspring of Cox's Orange Pippin, with a distinct aniseed flavor.
Origins
- Species: Malus domestica
- Parentage: Cox's Orange Pippin
- Originates from: Lincolnshire, England, United Kingdom
- Introduced: 1890
- Orange Pippin Cultivar ID: 101900
Identification
- Bultitude apple group: 7. Flushed / striped, some russeting, sweet
Growing
- Flowering period: Mid-Late season
- Flowering group: 4
- Fertility: Partially self-fertile
- Triploid: No
- Vigour: Average growth
Climate
- Blossom frost-resistance: Good resistance
Other qualities
- RHS Award of Garden Merit 1993
Relationships to other varieties
Parents and other ancestors of this variety:
- Cox's Orange Pippin (parent) - Ellisons Orange comes close to Cox for flavour
Ellison's Orange identification photos from official fruit collections
ARS GRIN
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Ellison's Orange identification photos from website visitors
Ellisons Orange
Fruit tree register
Do you have a tree of this variety in your garden or orchard? If so please register the details here and contribute to our international register of fruit trees.
The following Ellison's Orange trees have been registered - click the name to view more details of each tree.
You can also view these trees on a map.
United States
- Albany Apple Guy in CASTLETON, NY
- Dan Spratlen in CAMANO ISLAND, WASHINGTON
- Red in ARCATA, ca
United Kingdom
- Alison Cooke in Lincoln, Lincolnshire
- Andrew Guille in St Saviour, GUERNSEY
- Bill Barker And Sharon Cherry in LEICESTERSHIRE
- Cheryl Graves in Lincoln, Lincolnshire
- Chris Bartram in WORSTEAD, Norfolk
- Craig Bridge in Lincoln, Lincolnshire
- David Harmston in SLEAFORD, Lincs
- Dougas Wilson in Perth,
- Elizabeth Hodge in EVESHAM, Worcestershire
- Graham Charles Schofield in NEWMARKET, Sufflok
- Graham Hinchliffe in EASTBOURNE, EAST SUSSEX
- J Morgan in CAMBRIDGE,
- James C. Porteous in York, North Yorkshire
- Jan Chegwin in EPSOM, Surrey
- Jean Lippett in Martock, SOMERSET
- Jon Drakes in Keelby, Lincolnshire
- Jon Drakes in Keelby, Lincolnshire
- Kathy Doyle in swindon, wiltshire
- Kevinincornwall in LISKEARD, UNITED KINGDOM
- Louise Maskill in Crich, Derbyshire
- Mandy Russell in BEDFORD, BEDS
- Mark in CHIPPENHAM, Wilts
- Mark in CHIPPENHAM, Wilts
- Mark Davies in SADDLEWORTH, YORKSHIRE
- Mark Strutton in MILTON KEYNES, Bucks
- Meadowcopse in CHESTER, CHESHIRE
- Mrs Stephanie Bond in STOURTON CAUNDLE, DORSET
- N. Buck in CAMBRIDGE, Cambridgeshire
- Pat Shakespeare in friockheim, angus
- Paul Thornton in RUGBY, WARKS
- Pete High in Cumbria
- Peter Barnard in DONCASTER, LINCOLNSHIRE
- Rupert in HOLNEST, DORSET
- Steve Halliwell in POOLE, DORSET
- Steve Webster in TRURO, CORNWALL
- Stuart Logan in Newbury, Berkshire
- Tim Pizey in Oxford
- Tim Ware in LINCOLN, Lincolnshire
- Vincent Bentley in MONTGOMERY, POWYS
Switzerland
- Helmut Mueller in NEUKIRCH, Thurgau
Latest Spring blossom records for this variety
2012 season
- 19th May 2012 - tree owned by Andrew in St Saviour, United Kingdom
- 7th May 2012 - tree owned by Tim in , United Kingdom
- 5th May 2012 - tree owned by Tim in LINCOLN, United Kingdom
- 5th May 2012 - tree owned by Tim in LINCOLN, United Kingdom
2011 season
- 12th April 2011 - tree owned by James in York, United Kingdom
2010 season
- 16th May 2010 - tree owned by Jon in Keelby, United Kingdom
- 16th May 2010 - tree owned by Jon in Keelby, United Kingdom
- 10th May 2010 - tree owned by Tim in , United Kingdom
- 3rd May 2010 - tree owned by Stuart in Newbury, United Kingdom
- 29th April 2010 - tree owned by Elizabeth in EVESHAM, United Kingdom
- 27th April 2010 - tree owned by N. in CAMBRIDGE, United Kingdom
2009 season
- 18th April 2009 - tree owned by N. in CAMBRIDGE, United Kingdom
- 4th March 2009 - tree owned by James in York, United Kingdom
Record your blossom dates in our Fruit Tree Register - more >>.
Latest harvest records for this variety
2012 season
- 3rd week October 2012 - tree owned by Andrew in St Saviour, United Kingdom
2011 season
2010 season
- 1st week October 2010 - tree owned by Steve in POOLE, United Kingdom
- 3rd week September 2010 - tree owned by James in York, United Kingdom
2009 season
Where to buy apple trees
The following fruit tree nurseries offer Ellison's Orange apple trees for sale:
-
Cummins Nursery
United States More >>
Where to buy apples
United Statesmap >
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Washingtonmap >
- Skipley Farm, Snohomish
United Kingdommap >
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England - northmap >
- Holly Mount Orchard, Bury
- Saddleworth Orchard, Saddleworth
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England - south-eastmap >
- Wigmore Orchard, Tadley
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England - south-westmap >
- A'Beckett's, Devizes
Rate this variety for flavor