| 'Worcester Pearmain' | |
|---|---|
 specimen from the United Kingdom's National Fruit Collection | |
| Genus | Malus |
| Species | M. domestica |
| Cultivar | 'Worcester Pearmain' |
| Origin |  England, before 1874 [1] |
'Worcester Pearmain' is an early season English cultivar of domesticated apple, that was developed in Worcester, England, by a Mr. Hale of Swanpool in 1874. [2] It was once the most popular cultivar in England for early autumn harvest [3] and is still popular to keep in the garden. [4] It has been extensively used in apple breeding. [1]
It is a cross between Devonshire Quarrenden and an unknown parent. [1]
This red flushed pearmain sometimes has a strawberry-like flavour, and its early season property is passed on in breeding programs to other cultivars. Taste is smooth and sweet, ideal for fresh eating, [2] mostly recommended for stewed apple. [4] Keeps fresh for approximately one week. [2]
The tree has slightly low vigor and average disease resistance. It produces attractive flowers, [2] which is a feature for itself. [4] The blossoms are partially self-sterile. Crop is heavy and harvest at early-mid season. First Class Certificate from RHS in 1875. [5] This Pearmain earned the Award of Garden Merit by the Royal Horticultural Society in 1993. [2]
