Dabinett

'Dabinett' is an apple cultivar, customarily used in Somerset for making cider.

Malus domestica 'Dabinett'
Cultivar'Dabinett'
OriginEngland, probably early 1900s

History

'Dabinett' probably dates from the early 1900s, when it was found by William Dabinett growing as a wilding (a natural seedling) in a hedge at Middle Lambrook, South Petherton, Somerset.[1] The exact genetic makeup of Dabinett is unknown, though one 'parent' was probably the Chisel Jersey apple, a similar late "bittersweet" variety. The variety became very popular and was widely planted across the south-west of England.

A seedling of this variety, known as 'Black Dabinett', also locally known as 'Tommy Rodford', arose at Kingsbury Episcopi near Martock.[2] It is similar to 'Dabinett' proper but is purplish in colour and generally more vigorous.

Characteristics

Classed as a "bittersweet" cider apple, 'Dabinett' has small, yellow-green fruit flecked with red, usually harvested in November in the United Kingdom. The flesh is greenish and aromatic. The tree has a relatively small and spreading habit; it has a high resistance to apple scab and canker. Acid content 0.18%

The fruit is of sufficient quality to make a single varietal cider, and a number of commercial cider manufacturers produce ciders made solely or primarily with 'Dabinett' apples, including Marshwood Vale Cider, The Tricky Cider Co, Thatchers and Sheppy's.

References

  1. Morgan, Richards and Dowle, The New Book of Apples, Ebury, 2002, p.282
  2. Morgan, Richards and Dowle, p.281
  • "Cider apple variety: Dabinett". New South Wales Department of Primary Industries. Archived from the original on 2015-11-17. Retrieved 2015-11-15.
  • "Dabinett", National Fruit Collection, University of Reading and Brogdale Collections, retrieved 18 October 2015


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