Ellisons Orange apple

Malus domestica

One of the best offspring of Cox's Orange Pippin, with a distinct aniseed flavor.

Parentage: Cox's Orange Pippin
Origin: Lincolnshire
Introduced: 1890
Season: Sep-Oct
Apple cultivar ID: 101900

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.

Relationships to other apple varieties

Parents and other ancestors of this variety

Cox's Orange Pippin (parent) - Ellisons Orange comes close to Cox for flavour

Visitor comments

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

08 Oct 2007 18:34 Peter Bull from Shropshire, UK: We have a tree identified recently at an apple day fair as Ellison's Orange. We have only lived at this address for 18 months, but we believe the tree was planted soon after the house was built in 1965. For both our summers here it has cropped very prolifically. Picked fresh off the tree, the fruit is absolutely delicious. However it seems to lose its crispness, juiciness and delicious flavour if not eaten fairly soon after picking. But I can't say I've noticed anything like aniseed in its taste.Reply to this comment
06 Oct 2007 15:31 S Neville from Surrey, England: One of the apple trees in my garden has been identified as an Ellison's Orange. We know that it has been growing there since at least 1956, when my husband's parents moved in to this property. My husband thinks the tree was already planted, either by an earlier owner or perhaps when the house was originally built in the early 1930s. It was originally an espalier, which would have needed a lot of pruning, but that got neglected so it has grown into a bush tree. We have had it pruned in recent years but have been advised to leave it be from now on. It bears apples this year and they are larger than usual, very juicy and I like them. I shall be choosing one to take tomorrow to church to help decorate the base of the font for harvest festival. I shall be taking some Laxton's Superb apples with the same history which are more prolific at this time of year. The birds like to peck at both varieties. Normally there are insects inside the apples, but this does not seem to have happened in 2007. I have not been asked before to take anything to decorate the church.Reply to this comment
22 Sep 2007 13:21 a ellison from Yorkshire, UK: i grow this apple and have done for 15 years . i find this apple very sweet and juicy and tender fruits. as for tasteing of aniseed imust say i have never tasted it.it is a very good doer and i get plenty of apples every yearReply to this comment

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