Roxbury Russet is an apple variety that traces its history right back to the colonial era, and it is thought to be the oldest apple variety originating in North America - almost certainly a seedling of a European variety brought over by the early colonists. It remains popular as a variety for gardens and small orchards, not just for its history but because it is also a good all-round apple.
Roxbury Russet is a typical russet apple, with a sweet flavor. However it is larger than most russet apples. The extent of russeting can vary from considerable to minimal, and like many russets it can develop an attractive sun-kissed flush as well.
It has many uses from eating fresh to sweet and savoury salads, juicing and cider. It keeps well in cold storage and can be used throughout the winter months.
Contact us if you would like to go on the waiting list for next season.
Let me know when Roxbury Russet apple trees are back in stock.
If you do not hear from us by March you can contact us to pre-order for next autumn.
Like many antique apples, Roxbury Russet has some natural resistance to some of the diseases prevalent in the areas it originated, notably cedar apple rust, fireblight and scab.
Part of the reason for its success is that Roxbury Russet is both a very reliable and a very good keeper - qualities which are as useful today as when it was first discovered.
Roxbury Russet has a good climate range.
In use in Massachusetts in the early 17th century.
