Zone 4 - New Jersey. ca 1700 - semi-dwarf rootstock

Cider

Parentage: Unknown
This is an apple of legend, and a cultivar that nearly became extinct. The apple is believed to have originated in Orange, New Jersey in the early late 1700s by a Mr. Osborne, who gave original scions to a Mr. Samuel Harrison, for whom the apple was named. The apple became known as the finest cider apple, some comparing it to champagne. By the 20th century it was considered extinct until two trees were found by Paul Gidez and Tom Burford. Both trees were taken down or died the year after being discovered. It is now being distributed to cider orchards in North America. It is a mediuim sized fruit with yellow skin, often blushed with soft red. The texture is rather dry and tough with a rich sub-acid quality. It has one of the highest sugar contents of any cider apple and produces a cider with great body. It is also prized for its excellent storage ability. The apple is typically harvested in late September or early October and can be stored for up to six months in a cool, dry place. An apple plucked from oblivion by the passion of apple sleuths.

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