George Cave

Why you should be excited

George Cave is a 20th century English apple with unusually good flavour for a summer-ripener.

The story of George Cave

Appearing on the scene in England during the first half of the 20th century, George Cave won over fans as a good early apple before fading into obscurity a few decades later.

Its popularity came mainly from the fact that it's got stronger and more interesting flavour than most early apples, offering both sweetness and a good jolt of tartness in every bite.

Like most early apples, it doesn't keep well at all, which likely contributed to George Cave's decline from modest prominence to being yet another nice but largely forgotten variety.

It's quite pretty, with a flush of red and stripes of carmine over its pale background. A nice early apple all 'round.

George Cave Facts

Its origins

Raised from seed in Essex, England, 1923.

Flavour, aroma, texture

Strong flavour, especially for an early apple, with lots of sugar and acid.

Appearance

The pale greenish-yellow background is flushed with red and striped with carmine.

When they’re available

Early season (usually in late August).

Quality for fresh eating

Good.

Quality for cooking

Mainly used for fresh eating.

Quality for cider

Not widely used in making cider.

Keeping ability

Minimal (no more than a week or two when kept refrigerated).