Winston

Why you should be excited

Winston is an excellent example of cross-breeding gone right. Cox Pippin + Worcester Pearmain = yummy.

The story of Winston

Put aside for a moment the fact that this apple began life in England with the relatively neutral name of Winter King before Second World War hero-worshiping led to its renaming.

We don’t know if Mr. Churchill ever even tasted the apple, let alone felt honoured by its renaming. But we do get to taste it and that’s a good thing.

Delivering nice hints of one parent’s  flavour (Cox’s Orange Pippin) combined with the unfussy nature of the other (Worcester Pearmain), this is an apple with many desirable characteristics.

One commercial disadvantage to Winston is the modest size of the fruit, but other than that, it’s hard to find fault with this excellent – and very red – apple.

Winston Facts

Its origins

Bred in Welford Park, Berkshire, UK; introduced in 1935.

Flavour, aroma, texture

The creamy, white flesh is firm, juicy, aromatic, rich and sharp, mellowing in storage to a sweet, delicate flavour.

Appearance

A dull purplish-red flush and bright red stripes over greenish yellow. Small to medium-sized and usually shows some russet.

When they’re available

Late season (usually in mid-October).

Quality for fresh eating

Very good.

Quality for cooking

Mainly used for fresh-eating.

Keeping ability

Excellent (5 or 6 months when kept refrigerated).