Swaar is thought to have been raised by Dutch settlers in the Hudson River valley in the late 18th century.
The apples are quite large, often with considerable russeting ocer a pale green skin.
The flesh is creamy white, and firm rather than crisp. The flavor is good for such an old variety, sweet and aromatic, sweetening in storage.
Swaar is a good variety for attracting deer as the apples stay on the tree into winter.
USDA identification images for Swaar
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
Tree register
United States
- Axel Kratel in Santa Cruz, CALIFORNIA
- David Black in Bentonville, ARKANSAS
- Gina Colver in EPHRATA, WASHINGTON
- James Dierberger in Hebron, CT
- Jerry Hudgins in Point Reyes Station, CALIFORNIA
- Rick Simoniello in Storrs / Mansfield, CT
- Stephen Sain in Los Lunas, NEW MEXICO
Canada
- Bill O'Keefe in Dobbinton, ONTARIO
- Erik Nordenson in Cobourg, ONTARIO
Spring blossom records for this variety
2020 season
- 18th April 2020 - tree owned by Jerry in Point Reyes Station, United States
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Origins
- Species: Malus domestica - Apple
- Originates from: Esopus, New York, United States
- Introduced: Before 1770
- UK National Fruit Collection accession: 1948-180
Identification
- Country of origin: United States
- Period of origin: 1750 - 1799
- Fruit colour: Green
- Fruit size: Large
Using
- Picking season: Late
- Keeping (of fruit): 1-2 months
- Flavour quality: Good
- Flavour style (apples): Sweeter
- Flavour style (apples): Aromatic
- Food uses: Eating fresh
Growing
- Gardening skill: Average
- Flowering group: 3
- Vigour: Vigorous
- Fruit bearing: Spur-bearer
- Self-fertility: Not self-fertile
Where to buy fresh fruit
The following orchards grow Swaar:
United States
Connecticut
- Seek No Further Orchard, Hebron
Michigan
- Alber's Orchard & Cider Mill, Manchester
Washington
- Piper's Orchard, Seattle
- Skipley Farm, Snohomish *** Feature Orchard ***
Canada
British Columbia
- Salt Spring Apple Company, Salt Spring Island