52. D’Arcy Spice - Apple

Season :  Late.  Flowers in May, Harvest November

Pollination : May be slightly self fertile, but really needs other pollinators in Group D.  It is a poor pollinator of other varieties, and is considered to have some genetic peculiarities.

Rootstock :  M26 for a slightly smaller tree than MM106.

This is not a vigourous variety, but is very hardy and will withstand poor, dry soil conditions.  It does prefer some warmth and autumn sunshine, though (Don’t we all!)

Notes :

Malus domestica ‘D’Arcy Spice’

An old English heritage variety with several unusual characteristics, and hint of spice

Not the most decorative apple in the basket, it is variable in size, rather ‘oblong’ in shape, and a bit knobbly at the base.  Distinctly ribbed and five crowned.

The skin is dry, greenish yellow with dark ochre russeting, sometimes with a trace of reddish-brown flush.

The skin tends to be tough, but this gives the apple good disease resistance, and exceptional keeping qualities.

The fruit hangs well on the tree defying the wind. It is traditionally not picked until Guy Fawkes Day (5th November) and then stored before use.  It may be hard and sharp tasting when first picked, but will improve on keeping and may keep until the following spring.

Fallen fruit also stay in good condition on the ground well into the winter.

The flesh is white tinged green, firm and juicy. In a good season it acquires a distinct spicy, nutmeg/cinnamon flavour. that sweetens with age and storing.

Good for general purpose use, and juices very well.

D'Arcy Spice was found in the garden of The Hall, Tolleshunt d’Arcy, Essex, in about 1785 but is possibly even older. It was ntroduced in 1848 by John Harris, nurseryman of Broomfield, near Chelmsford, Essex as Baddow Pippin.