Coe’s Golden Drop

Why you should be excited

Coe's Golden Drop is a 19th century English apple sometimes confused with the plum of the same name.

The story of Coe's Golden Drop

It's hard enough to keep track of lesser known apple varieties when they have distinctive names.

But give one apple variety several alternative names of roughly equal prominence - say Coe's Golden Drop, Golden Drop and Bishop's Thumb - and then name a plum variety identically, and you've got a problem.

Adding injury to insult, it's widely believed that many Coe's Golden Drop apple trees in the United States aren't the same variety as the original in the U.K.

This small and squat apple was going to have enough trouble gaining prominence even without these confusing issues related to its name.

The good news is that this is a firm, tasty apple that nicely balances sweet and tart.

Coe's Golden Drop Facts

Its origins

Discovered in Essex, England; first recorded in 1842.

Flavour, aroma, texture

Firm with a nicely balanced sweet, subacid flavour and a vinous quality.

Appearance

This little apple is relatively squat with yellow skin partially covered by crimson and patches of russet.

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

Doesn't have a particular history as a cider apple, but -- like other heritage varieties -- it can contribute positively to cider blends.

Keeping ability

We'll let you know when we find out.