Oaken Pin

Why you should be excited

Oaken Pin is a strongly-flavoured old English apple named for its shape: like an old-style door fastener.

The story of Oaken Pin

The names of old apple varieties can provide as much insight into the particulars of life back in the day as they do into the fruit’s characteristics.

Take Oaken Pin, for example. What the heck is an ‘oaken pin’?

We’re told the name comes from the egg-shaped wooden ‘pins’ that were once used to fasten doors. Back in the day in olde England, apparently.

To this is an old apple and it’s one that can vary considerably in taste: in years with good ripening, its flavour can be powerful; in lesser vintages, the apple taste can be hidden behind a wall of acid.

As with wine grapes, it all depends on the year.

Oaken Pin Facts

Its origins

Uncertain, but likely discovered in Devon, England, sometime in the 19th century.

Flavour, aroma, texture

The sweet, firm, crisp flesh packs an intense and rich apple flavour, when it's properly ripened.

Appearance

This egg-shaped apple has a pretty red flush.

When they’re available

Mid-season (usually in late September).

Quality for fresh eating

Good.

Quality for cooking

Mainly used for fresh eating.

Quality for cider

Not particularly known for use in cider.

Keeping ability

So-so (barely more than 1 month when kept refrigerated).