Description
Yellow Newtown Pippin is a hard, crisp pale green apple with a sweet-tart and sometimes pine-like flavor. It is highly prized for pies and cider making. It is also a good dessert apple, but not especially good for salads, as it browns quickly when sliced. Look for Newtown Pippins in October. Not only does it store well, but its flavor improves in storage.
Discovered: Early 1700s Newtown, New York
Parentage: Unknown
Harvest: Late Season
History
Yellow Newtown Pippin, also called Albemarle Pippin, distinguishes itself as the oldest commercially grown American apple, dating back to 1666 in Newtown Village, Long Island. It was well-liked by George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, and Benjamin Franklin, as well as Queen Victoria. From France, Thomas Jefferson wrote: “They have no apples here to compare with our Newtown Pippin.”
When New York City petitioned for the Newtown Pippin to become the city’s official apple in 2009, author Michael Pollan wrote: “The Newtown Pippin, originally discovered in Queens, New York, is one of the all-time great American apples. It is storied, delicious, and overdue for a comeback. I’m delighted about this campaign to revive the Newtown Pippin, so close to its native ground. I can’t imagine a better choice for New York City’s official apple.”