The Bardsey apple is a unique and historically significant fruit variety. This rare apple offers a distinct appeal, making it a noteworthy addition for gardeners and fruit enthusiasts.
The Unique Story of the Bardsey Apple
The history of the Bardsey apple began with its rediscovery on Bardsey Island, a small island off the Llŷn Peninsula in North Wales. In 1998, a single gnarled apple tree was found growing near the remains of a 13th-century abbey. This ancient tree, possibly a remnant of a monastic orchard, quickly drew attention due to its solitary existence and unknown origin.
Ian Sturrock, a fruit expert, identified the apple after samples were brought to him by a birdwatcher. He sent specimens to the National Fruit Collection at Brogdale, where experts confirmed it as a previously unrecorded variety. This discovery led to it being hailed as potentially “the rarest tree in the world,” sparking efforts to preserve and propagate the cultivar.
Distinguishing Characteristics and Culinary Uses
The Bardsey apple is a medium-sized fruit with a distinctive appearance. Its skin displays pink flushes over a creamy yellow base, often with some ribbing. Inside, the flesh is crisp and juicy, offering a sweet flavor profile.
A unique characteristic of the Bardsey apple is its lemon aroma, which sets it apart from many other apple varieties. While excellent for eating fresh, ripening in late August or early September and keeping until November, it also performs well in various culinary applications. When cooked, it transforms into a pale golden, sweet puree that often requires no added sugar. It is also suitable for juicing and cider production.
Cultivating Bardsey Apple Trees
Growing Bardsey apple trees can be rewarding, particularly for those in challenging climates. These trees exhibit good disease resistance, notably to scab and canker, making them a robust choice for regions with wet or windy conditions. They thrive in a sunny, sheltered position and prefer deep, fertile, well-drained loam soils with a pH range of 5.5-6.5.
Watering is important during the tree’s establishment period. Regular watering through spring and summer, increasing during dry weather, supports healthy growth. Pruning is best conducted when the tree is dormant, between November and March, to remove crossing or diseased branches and to open up the canopy. The Bardsey apple is hardy down to USDA Zone 5 and is a pollination group B, meaning it requires a suitable pollination partner within a half-mile radius to produce fruit.
Securing a Bardsey Apple Tree
Bardsey apple trees are available through specialized nurseries. These nurseries often propagate the variety by grafting, ensuring the genetic integrity of the original tree. Scion wood, cutting material for grafting, can also be sourced from some suppliers for those who wish to graft their own trees.
The availability of these trees contributes to conservation efforts for this cultivar. By acquiring and growing Bardsey apple trees, gardeners play a role in safeguarding its presence and promoting its wider distribution. Organizations are actively working to ensure the survival of this apple.