Ellis Bitter
Cider apple
Malus domestica Borkh.
An old variety thought to have originated on the farm of a Mr Ellis of Newton St Cyres, South Devon. The large, conical fruits have white, crisp, juicy sweet flesh which is a little astringent. A medium bittersweet variety which produces a good quality cider.
Availability
Material available from the National Fruit Collection.
Material held in Tidnor Wood National Collection® of Malus (Cider making)
Accession name
Ellis Bitter
Flowering time
9th May 10% flowering
11th May Full (80%) flowering
20th May 90% petal fall
Picking time
Mid October 1
Size
medium-large 1
Type
Cider 1
Shape
Conical 1
Height
65.90 mm 1
Width
72.80 mm 1
Ribbing
medium 1
Crown
weak 1
Ground Colour
Yellow 1
Over Colour (Amount)
high-very high 1
Over Colour
Red 1
Over Colour (Pattern)
striped/solid flush 1
Russet
low 1
Greasiness
Medium 1
Firmness
firm-very firm 1
Flesh Colour
Cream 1
References:
1. NFC fruit (undated) Unpublished characterisation by staff at NFC, Brogdale.
2. Smith, M. (1971) National Apple Register