Fruit

KING OF THE PIPPINS has dozens of synonyms and dates from 1800. Originally called Golden Winter Pearmain, it is speculated to have been introduced in Brompton, England, under the King of Pippins name. There is a sport called King of the Pippins Russet, discovered in the 1950s at Rookery Farm, Bordon, Hampshire, England. Generally, there is confusion about whether King of the Pippins is the same as Reine des Reinette, Golden Winter Pearmain, Golden Pearmain, or Clarkes Pearmain. It is small in size, usually not exceeding 2 1/2 inches in diameter, and if left unthinned will produce a small apple suitable for cider making. The color is a greenish-yellow, maturing to a golden-yellow with up to three-quarters flushed with an orange-red, and prominently red striped. There are varying degrees of striping among the varieties discussed. Sometimes, there are patches of gray russet and conspicuous gray or green lenticels. The creamy-white flesh is fine-grained, juicy and subacid, with a sprightly vinous flavor. Some tasters detect an almond-like or nutty flavor. The shape is oblong-conical with some lopsidedness. With James Grieve, King of the Pippins is one of the best pollinators for Cox's Orange Pippin.