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Barnack Beauty apple

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This is a handsome old apple variety from Barnack, a small village in Lincolnshire (although now part of Cambridgeshire). It has a sharp flavour and is best used for cooking.

Apparently, on its native soil, Barnack Beauty did not crop particularly well, although it has a repuation for doing well elsewhere!  This probably reflects the fact that whilst it tolerates the chalky soil of Barnack better than other varieties, it still prefers a less alkaline soil.

Thanks to Jen Birch for correcting us, apparently Barnack was never part of Lincolnshire although it is very close to the border.

Barnack Beauty identification images

USDA identification images for Barnack Beauty

The identification paintings in the USDA Pomological Watercolor Collection span the years 1886 to 1942.

    Citation: U.S. Department of Agriculture Pomological Watercolor Collection. Rare and Special Collections, National Agricultural Library, Beltsville, MD 20705.

    Visitor reviews

    • 18 Jan 2021  PETERBOROUGH, United Kingdom
      We have a couple of these trees planted circa 2016/2017 on mm106 rootstock. How old are they when they start to crop? We have its pollinators in the orchard e.g. Braeburn, Charles Ross, Grenadier and James Grieve.
    • 25 May 2015  CAMBS, United Kingdom
      I have a number of Barnack Be aunties in my garden. They are excellent for cider making. The last surviving original tree is in a cottage garden by the church
    • 16 Apr 2011  NORTHAMPTONSHIRE, United Kingdom
      Bedfore becoming part of Cambridgeshire, Barnak was in Northamptonshire
    • 03 Oct 2008  NORTH YORKSHIRE, PREVIOUSLY NORTHAMPTONSHIRE, United Kingdom
      To get things absolutely right, Barnack was never in Lincolnshire nor since the 19th century administratively in Northamptonshire. Although geographically within the county of Northampton it was in that part known as the Soke of Peterborough which was administratively a county in its own right. It was because during one of the many 20th century reorganisations the Soke of Peterborough was amalgamated with Cambridgeshire rather than its parent county that Barnack no longer has the privilege of being in Northamptonshire.
    • 21 May 2008  BARNACK, United Kingdom
      I would point out that Barnack has never been in Lincolnshire but was originally in Northamptonshire before it was changed to Cambridgeshire. Barnack is only 1 mile from the Lincolnshire border but it's still in Cambs. (unfortunately) !!
    • 10 Nov 2007  CAMBS/NORFOLK BORDER, United Kingdom
      Barnack Beauty appears in a numer of old orchards in the Fens. I have 3 trees in my orchard, planted in the early 1900s. My neighbour also has one in his orchard. Barnack Beauty is a variety that often turns up for identification at "apple day" events in Lincs, Cambs and Norfolk. If you would like images of an old Barnack B tree in blossom and with fruit on, I would be happy to send it to you. Orchard Bob OP: Thanks Bob, please do.
    • 01 Oct 2007  CAMBRIDGESHIRE, United Kingdom
      I have a tree of this variety which produces a very good crop. It is a lovely eater although not sweet, and is very crisp. A tantalising mixture - tangy tempered by sweet.

    Tree register

    United States

    United Kingdom

    Poland

    Origins

    • Species: Malus domestica
    • Introduced: 1840

    Using

    • Picking season: Late
    • Cropping: Good
    • Keeping (of fruit): 3 months or more
    • Flavor style (apples): Sharper
    • Food uses: Eating fresh
    • Food uses: Culinary

    Growing

    • Self-fertility: Not self-fertile
    • Flowering group: 4
    • Ploidy: Diploid
    • Bearing regularity: Regular

    Climate

    • Summer average maximum temperatures: Cool ( 20-24C / 68-75F)

    Identification

    • Country of origin: United Kingdom
    • Period of origin: 1800 - 1849
    • Flower colour: White
    • Leaf colour: Green
    • Fruit colour: Orange flush

    Where to buy trees

    The following tree nurseries offer Barnack Beauty apple trees for sale:

    • Keepers Nursery
      United Kingdom  More >>

    Where to buy fresh fruit

    No orchards have registered as growing this variety. If you grow this and want to register please go to our Orchard Registration form.



    References

    • Apples of England (1948)
      Author: Taylor

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