Worcester Pearmain Apple

The Worcester Pearmain, an early-season English apple dating back to the 1870s in Worcester, has maintained a consistent level of popularity since its inception and continues to be cultivated on a small scale in England. Typically ripening a few weeks after the Discovery apple, Worcester Pearmain is readily available in supermarkets and farmers markets during mid-September.

Noteworthy for its distinctive strawberry flavour, the intensity of which can vary, Worcester Pearmain's taste is significantly influenced by weather conditions during its brief ripening period. Although its parentage remains unknown, Devonshire Quarrenden is a probable candidate due to its shared strawberry notes.

While Worcester Pearmain may not occupy the top tier of apple varieties, its early ripening and strawberry flavour have made it a focal point in numerous breeding programs. Growers aspire to infuse these characteristics into new varieties. The vibrant red/crimson flush adds commercial appeal. Many resulting varieties, such as Discovery, Elton Beauty, Katy, Jester, and Lord Lambourne, inherit the sought-after strawberry flavour.

Well-suited for garden cultivation, Worcester Pearmain benefits from prolonged on-tree ripening, enhancing its flavour. Several of its descendants, including Katy, prove to be excellent choices for garden apple trees.