Laxton's Superb apple

Malus domestica

The definitive late Victorian dessert apple, firm, Cox-style but sweeter, understated but very "more-ish".

Parentage: Cox x Wyken Pippin
Origin: England
Introduced: 1897
Season: Nov-Jan
Apple cultivar ID: 103900

Laxton's Superb is a classic and popular English-style variety from the late Victorian period, one of the high-points in the development of English apples. Laxton Brothers were important breeders at this time and this is probably their most important variety.

Laxton's Superb is essentially a Cox-style apple, but with an interesting twist in flavour inherited from its other parent Wyken Pippin, which had been popular since the 18th century but is now little known. The shape is much more upright than the flattened signature of Cox, and is reminiscent of Adams Pearmain. The colour is dull red flush over green - attractive in a subdued way.

The white-green flesh is quite dense and sweet, and very "appley". The texture is firm rather than crisp, and there is not a lot of juice. Not perhaps characteristics that would endear it to a modern audience, but nevertheless it is actually quite appealing. Like several older varieties it somehow tastes better if you cut it with a knife and eat it in slices or wedges rather than biting into it.

Laxton's Superb represented the state of the art of in English apples at the start of the 20th century, and it is fascinating to compare it with the new varieties such as Meridian and Saturn which have come through at the end of the century. All these varieties use Cox's Orange Pippin as a starting point, but the appearance and combination of flavours in Laxton's Superb makes it very different from the up-front appeal of most modern varieties.

Relationships to other apple varieties

Offspring of this variety

Tydeman's Late Orange

Parents and other ancestors of this variety

Cox's Orange Pippin (parent)

Visitor comments

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

25 Nov 2007 20:11 Mrs Janet Skerman from Bridgend, S. Wales, UK: My father had a laxtons Fortune (early eater) and a Laxtons Superb (late Keeper) both were wonderful. 10 years ago we bought aLaxtons Superb tree, this year due to weather was the best crop ever, full of juice and overladen. I agree it's the best apple ever. Can't we bring it back as a national British apple and beat the french. Help to stop imports, etc.Reply to this comment
01 Nov 2007 18:00 Nina from London, UK: I found Laxton Superb apples in Sainsbury's on Monday, absolutely delicious, I prefer them to all of the other apple varieties I've bought recently. Check out your local store Peggy! They were supplied by Boxford Farms in Suffolk.Reply to this comment
31 Oct 2007 10:58 Brian Spencer from Cornwall, UK: I have an old apple tree at the bottom of the garden and a knowledgeable friend reckons it's a Laxton's Superb. Fruiting better than ever this year - I guess whatever the weather something benefits! And welcome lack of autumn gales means most of the apples have stayed on the tree for once. I have just eaten a couple of the apples - beautiful taste, the way they should be.Reply to this comment
29 Oct 2007 10:51 Sarah from Norfolk, UK: Just bitten into an apple from the old tree growing against the back wall in my garden. Utterly delicious and It must be the summer we've had - it was dripping with juice.Reply to this comment
19 Oct 2007 14:42 Pat Baskerville from Letchworth Garden City, Herts: We have a Laxton tree in our garden and this year it is so overladened that we cannot use the apples! We are giving them away to anyone who likes them, and a lot do, because we do not want to waste them. The house is about 90 years old, the tree must have been there a long time. Mrs Mullally is welcome to some if she is every up our way.Reply to this comment
15 Oct 2007 16:00 peggy mullally from leamington spa: We had a Laxton's superb apple tree in our garden when I was a child in the 40's. It is to my mind, the most delicious apple that I have ever had the pleasure of eating. My big disappointment in life, is that I have never ever found anywhere that sells them since. Please tell me if you can, where I can purchase them. I will be forever grateful.Reply to this comment
03 Aug 2007 12:57 Rod from UK: Just tasted our Laxton's Superb, first crop, totally agree with your description, superbReply to this comment

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Apple tree register

The following Laxton's Superb trees have been registered - click the name to view more details of each tree:

05 Aug 08 Keith Pickering Helmsley, York, North Yorkshire, United Kingdom

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