Esopus Spitzenberg

Introduced before 1790, from Esopus, New York, USA.  Fruit are medium to large in size, conic/round-conic shape, and slight ribbing and crowing is present.  Skin can be tough and waxy, red over colour and russeted lenticels.  Flavour is aromatic, sub acid, good eating apple.  Excellent storage, tree is hardy, weak vigour, willowy limbs.  Biennial bearing can be an issue if not thinned properly.  Bloom is early to mid-season.  Susceptible to canker, scab, fireblight, powdery mildew, scald.  Reportedly Thomas Jefferson’s favorite apple.