Brown's Apple Tree

This heritage cider apple, commonly known as Browns, is a vintage-grade, sharp cider variety that originated in South Devon, England, in the early 1920s. It was discovered as a chance seedling by Hill of Staverton, a nursery owner and cider maker near Totnes, and was subsequently widely planted throughout Devon, Dorset, and neighbouring regions. The fruit is small to medium in size with a round, slightly flattened shape. Its skin is green with an extensive dull red wash and darker striping, and it is distinguished by heavy russeting around the short, stout stem, often extending onto the shoulder and down the fruit’s face.

The flesh is cream-coloured and frequently stained red beneath the skin. When pressed, the apples yield a reddish juice with pronounced sharpness, moderate bitterness, and clear fruity aromas. Analytical values typically show moderate sugar levels with notable acidity and low to moderate tannins, producing a juice classified as sharp. The resulting cider is medium sharp and aromatic, with some astringency and a clean, crisp finish. While the variety is primarily valued for cider production, it is also suitable for cooking and fresh juicing. It is worth noting that the apple is reported to lack some flavour intensity when grown in North America compared to its performance in its native region.

In cultivation, Browns forms a moderately to very vigorous, upright, spreading tree and bears fruit on spurs. It is slow to come into production but can yield heavy crops in alternate years once established. The variety is diploid, self-sterile, and classified in pollination group 5, requiring compatible pollinators for reliable fruit set. Harvest typically begins in the latter part of the season and requires multiple pickings, as ripe fruit tends to drop. Although the apples do not store well, the tree’s high resistance to apple scab and its consistent contribution to well-structured, traditional cider make it a valuable choice for growers and cider makers seeking an authentic English sharp cider apple.

USDA Zone: 4-8

Mature Height: B.118 ~18-21' Tall tall; Semi-Dwarf

Sun: Full Sun

Bloom Group: 5, Very Late Season

Ripening Time: Late October

Pollination: Required of a different apple tree

Cider Profile: Brix 11.90, acidity 0.67% and tannins 0.13%