Kent

Why you should be excited

Kent is a modern-bred variety that combines Cox’s Orange Pippin and Jonathan to make a nice eating apple.

The story of Kent

Kent, Kent Malling, Malling Kent… modern, intentionally-bred apple varieties rarely have so many variations on their names.

Bred by the renowned H.M. Tydeman at the East Malling Research Station in England, this apple is delightful when properly ripened. But like many varieties, it’s not up to snuff in years where the summer is low on sunshine.

Kent's parental pair is promising: the great English Cox’s Orange Pippin gets together with the classic American Jonathan.

The result has inspired commercial growers in England to plant Kent in modest quantities, although it’s unlikely to sweep the planet. Especially since it tends to show significant russetting.

Kent Facts

Its origins

Bred in Kent, England; introduced in 1974.

Flavour, aroma, texture

Rich and aromatic with plenty of sweetness and balancing acidity. It does have coarse flesh and tough skin.

Appearance

A medium-sized apple with an orange-red flush and red stripes on a yellow background. Can have significant amounts of russet.

When they’re available

Late season (usually in mid- to late October).

Quality for fresh eating

Very good.

Quality for cooking

Mainly used for fresh eating.

Quality for cider

Not particularly known for use in cider, although the flavour and sugar/acid balance of Kent should make it a solid variety for cider blends.

Keeping ability

Very good (4 months or more when kept refrigerated).