Jersey Black.
BLACK APPLE of Coxe?
Fig. 261.—JERSEY BLACK.
This admirable but unpretending fruit has extended its way quietly through the country, along the parallels 40° to 42°, without ever having had any extra puffing, such as has given notoriety to some of its competitors for places in the orchard. Nobody speaks about this apple, nor writes about it, and yet it is everywhere to be found. This cannot be the Black Apple of Coxe and Downing, being quite different in some of its strong characters. Origin unknown, supposed to have been introduced into the West by Silas Wharton, of Warren County, Ohio, as it is found with the White Pippin and other favorite sorts of his introduction, and is in his published list.
Tree sufficiently vigorous, but does not grow large, spreading, often drooping when old, branches open, always fruitful, either well distributed in a light crop, or crowded in a full one.
Fruit full medium, round, angular and irregular, sometimes ribbed; Surface smooth, completely covered with deep red, striped darker, giving a purple, almost black hue to the fruit, often covered with a thin bloom; one variety is always lighter, stripes more distinct, and the flesh more stained; Dots numerous, minute, indented, purple.
Basin mostly shallow, folded and plaited; Eye small to medium, closed.
Cavity deep, acute, brown, often wavy or folded; Stem short, medium or long, usually stout, sometimes knobbed.
Core medium, regular, generally closed, clasping the eye; Seeds numerous, short, plump, pointed, dark; Flesh yellow, crisp, fine-grained, juicy, often stained pink or reddish; Flavor rich, mild sub-acid, aromatic, not spicy, satisfying; Quality good; Use, table, kitchen, cider and for stock; Season, December, January; keeps sound. A good market apple.