Egremont Russet apple

Malus domestica

The definitive English russet apple

Egremont Russet apple photo tape

Parentage: Unknown
Origin: England
Introduced: 1872
Season: Oct-Dec
Apple cultivar ID: 101800


Egremont Russet is a classic English russet apple from the Victorian era.  Whilst russet apples have generally fallen out of favour, Egremont Russet remains popular with discerning apple lovers who appreciate its unique flavour and apearance.

Part of its enduring success is down to niche marketing. This is an apple that dares to be different ! It is a russet-skinned variety with a dry flesh - a style of apple that has not attracted the attentions of mainstream apple breeders, but nevertheless seems to have a dedicated following. Also, inspite of its unique appearance, Egremont Russet has many of the characteristics which mark out a good apple: a harmony of flavour and texture, and a good balance between sweetness and sharpness.

The difference is evident as soon as you pick it up. The skin is entirely covered with "russet", which feels like very fine sandpaper. Some other varieties have streaks of russet, notably Cox's Orange Pippin, but in Egremont Russet it completely dominates the appearance. The colour is an attractive dull gold flecked with yellow.

Egremont Russet is a medium-sized apple. The flesh seems quite dry and gets drier with keeping - it is moist rather than juicy. Traditionally described as "nutty", the flavour is more delicate than most varieties, and quite sweet. Both the flavour and the soft flesh are reminiscent of a firm pear. Yet Egremont Russet is surprisingly versatile, working well in savoury salads for example, and a popular partner for cheese.

If you are used to a modern, smooth-skinned, crisp apple then the sandpaper finish of a russet apple like Egremont Russet may sound distinctly un-appealing, but this is a case of the whole being greater than the sum of the parts. It may be very different, but it undoubtedly works - definitely worth a try !



Visitor comments

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

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

  • 16 Aug 08  Keith Fell  Lincoln, Lincolnshire, United Kingdom

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